A SPANIEL called Charlie is ready to spring into action and sniff out drugs and drug-related crime on the town's streets.

Two-year-old Charlie will be the scourge of drug dealers and drug users, carrying out routine searches in public places including schools, pubs, clubs and law courts.

He is the country's first police dog to be funded entirely by a local authority and he will become Bolton's first police dog dedicated entirely to combat the drugs menace.

Charlie has completed an intensive training programme with his handler, PC Richard Fallows, and Bolton police have worked closely with Bolton Council and other organisations to develop the scheme. The £11,000 cost of bringing Charlie to Bolton has been shared with the Communities Against Drugs Scheme.

Bolton Police's Divisional Commander, Chief Supt Don Brown, said: "We are extremely fortunate to have our own, dedicated drug dog in Bolton. Charlie will be a most important addition to the disruption of drug rings in the area.

"Charlie is a fantastic example of police working together with local agencies such as Communities Against Drugs to help prevent crime in the community."

Cllr Frank White, Bolton Council's Executive Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, said: "We are delighted to become Charlie's sponsors through the Communities Against Drugs scheme. Charlie will be a valuable addition in the fight to disrupt the drugs market.

"We are committed to making Bolton a safer place to live, work and visit. Charlie may be man's best friend but he's certainly not going to be the friend of any drug dealer."