TWO sniffer dogs gifted to the police force have passed their training to be official PDs.

Vin and Pirate are the newest Lancashire Police employees, having been training with the team since their arrival at the force in March 2020.

They were bought in memory of Lavinia Cook, a woman from Lower Darwen who adored police dogs and had planned to purchase a pair for the force, but sadly died in October 2019 before she was able to. Her husband, Barry Cook, donated the money for Pirate and Vin as a tribute to her.

Pirate passed his assessment last summer, while Vin passed on Friday and Mr Cook was in attendance at the dog unit today to celebrate with them both.

He said: “My wife, Lavinia, and I watched a lot of police programmes together and we’ve always admired the police dogs and their handlers and the work they do.

“Lavinia would be thrilled to know Vin and Pirate have passed their training and will be working on the front line. She would be bursting with pride, as am I.

“Everybody who works at the dog unit does brilliant work and I am so glad these dogs have done well with their training and both will now help keep the people of Lancashire safe.”

The dogs, both male springer spaniels, are aged around two and a half years old. Vin was named after Lavinia.

Both dogs have been trained to track down illegal drugs, firearms, ammunition and money, both Sterling currency and Euros. They will be used to search houses, open areas and vehicles.

In his spare time Vin loves swimming and chasing birds. Pirate loves his tennis ball and running round his handler’s feet.

PC Anna Woods, of the Lancashire Police Dog Unit, said: “We are so grateful to Barry for making this possible.

“We know his late wife, Lavinia, had planned to buy a pair of dogs for the force before her death, and the generosity of both of them is very much appreciated.

“PD Vin and PD Pirate are wonderful dogs and we are thrilled they have passed their training. They have worked so hard to get to this point and we know they will be an asset to the force.

“They’ll certainly be getting plenty of treats and belly rubs this weekend.”

In addition to Pirate and Vin, Mr Cook is also buying German shepherd Thor for the police.

Thor starts his training next month, and will be a general purpose dog once trained.