A BOLTON man was allegedly caught in possession of drugs - thanks to the super-nose of a crime busting dog.

The man, who has not been named, was arrested in the visitors' room at Garth Prison, Leyland, near Preston.

Staff say he was caught in possession of an illegal substance by Scooby, a four-year-old Labrador whose drug sniffing skills have led to 100 arrests at the prison in just over two years.

His proud handler, prison officer John Reader, said: "Last year alone he made 54 arrests, and in the two and half years he's been working he's not had a negative arrest. They have all gone on to be prosecuted."

Drugs dealing is one of the major problems facing the prison service today and Mr Reader added: "Scooby has helped to make a massive difference inside the prison by catching the couriers who pass on the drugs to prisoners. He has proved to be a great deterrent."

The Bolton man, who was visiting an inmate in the prison, is expected to appear in court next week.

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