BASIL'S brush with the law has given a whole new meaning to the term "police dog".

For Basil, a cross Patterdale terrier, goes loopy when the hit cops' series The Bill comes on TV.

As soon as the catchy theme music strikes up, the two year old dog sits up on his hind legs and howls his head off.

As the music fades he settles down -- then starts an encore performance when the credits roll and the theme tune is played again.

His behaviour has baffled his owners Mike and Wendy Hammond of North Avenue, Greenmount, near Bury.

"He doesn't react to any other music or programme. Just The Bill," said Mike, who is secretary to the East Lancs Communicare NHS Trust.

"We got Basil as a rescue dog from the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in May so we have no way of knowing when or why he developed either this liking or dislike for The Bill. We can't really decide whether he reacts because he likes the music or whether some notes affect his ears."

"It is so strange to see. We can't work out whether it's the music or the flashing blue light in the opening sequence that starts the reaction, but it happens every time the programme comes on.

"He immediately runs to the TV, throws his head back and howls until the music stops."