A calendar showcasing the role police dogs play in fighting crime in North Wales has been released to raise money for charity.

Each month features one of the dogs in action, shining the spotlight on the huge variety of work they do, from supporting armed operations and chasing after criminals to searching for missing persons.

The Alliance Police Dogs are a collaboration between North Wales Police and Cheshire Constabulary to provide General Purpose, Firearms Support and Specialist Search Dogs to support their wide ranging policing activities – from tackling serious and organised crime to helping bring vulnerable people back to a place of safety.

All of the proceeds from the 2022 calendar will go towards Paws Off Duty, the North Wales Police and Cheshire Constabulary Dogs charity which was established in 2015.

The fund, established by PC Jackie Edwards from the Alliance Dog Section, was created to assist with the cost of looking after the animals when they retire.

Police dogs usually retire between the age of eight and 10 and are re-homed by handlers, or generous members of the public. The costs of rehoming an older dog can be high, so Paws Off Duty, a registered charity, provides funding.

Chief Inspector Simon Newell, head of alliance policing for Cheshire and North Wales Police said: “The calendar is always hugely popular and is a great way of boosting our funds due to its popular demand.

“Our K9’s dedicate their lives to looking after the public of North Wales and Cheshire and it’s only right that they have the best possible life after retirement.

“Once again we’d like to extend our sincerest thanks to Farm and Pet Place for selling the calendars on our behalf. We are extremely grateful for their continued support.”

The Alliance Dog Section, which has 37 dogs, help track offenders, search open areas and buildings, provide a less lethal tactical option to support firearms deployments and help search for missing persons. Specialist search dogs within the unit are also trained to detect firearms, ammunition, cash and drugs.

The calendar, which costs £9.99, is available at Farm and Pet Place stores and via their website.