POLICE dog Luther is hanging up his collar having walked the beat for the last time before Christmas before he retired from Northumbria Police.

The German Shepherd had been with his handler, PC Andy Errington, since he started training as a police dog in 2012.

Together they have had a colourful career covering derby day football matches to responding to dangerous jobs on the frontline of policing.

But now Luther is passing the baton on to numerous offspring serving with Northumbria Police, Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police.

PC Errington, of the Force’s Dog Section, said: “Luther is a dog of a life time, he has no doubt contributed to saving many lives and protecting the public during his career.

“He will live with me for the rest of his retirement now, he is really quickly adapting to retired life living in the house and not a kennel.

“He has a new fluffy bed that he loves and has been having plenty of treats and long walks but he will always be a part of the police family.

“Luther’s son Winston and daughter Wren are both general purpose dogs in the force, so it’s their turn to step up and carry on with the duty. They have big paws to fill.

“I am so thankful to have worked with him over the years he is not just a dog, he is a best friend. I am looking forward to him relaxing and enjoying his retirement at home with us.”

To find out more about the work of the dog section you can follow them on Twitter at @NPDogSection.