A JAIL praised for cracking down on drug smugglers has put its success down to a four-legged member of staff - Scooby the sniffer dog.

Officers at Garth Prison say a drastic decrease in narcotics finds is due to the four-year-old Labrador who has become a big hit with staff and visitors.

Scooby started at the Leyland jail two years ago after learning his trade at the Lancashire police force's Dog Training School at Hutton.

He has helped reduce the use of heroin and cannabis in the cells to the delight of his handler, prison officer John Reader, who said: "Scooby has helped us tighten up."

Last year alone 140 people were arrested for drug-related incidents at the prison, and there was a drastic reduction in drug use by prisoners.

But Mr Reader admitted smugglers would always try to get one step ahead of the system.

He said: "A lot of heroin was coming in through the mail but we clamped down on that.

"As we close one avenue they find another. As they learn our procedures we change them."

And officers vowed to continue their tough measures which were praised by prison inspectors. Mr Reader said: "People should be warned that anyone who tries to get in here with drugs will be caught and could get a prison sentence."

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