Say hello to Harley, Cheshire Police's newest recruit!

The 12-week-old labradoodle puppy will work as the force's first wellbeing dog in a scheme aiming to emulate similar projects in other police forces.

The pup is part funded by Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane's Community Police Fund and Crimebeat, and has already begun his socialisation activities.

He will begin his official, year-long training this month. He will then become a fully-fledged well-being dog for the Constabulary.

Harley has been with his new owner PC Jane Tetlow from the youth engagement team since the beginning of January.

PC Tetlow first suggested the idea of a wellbeing dog as she thought it might help officers engage with children in school settings.

PC Tetlow said: "Looking after a puppy comes with so much responsibility and dedication - and eyes in the back of your head for anything they might chew, eat, run off with, then there's the toilet training in the middle of the night to avoid accidents, it's a real commitment and a life-long one at that.

"Harley will have an important job to do helping our young members of the community and our officers and staff. We too have an important job in making sure he's happy, healthy and thriving in his new role. We hope he thoroughly enjoys his new life."

Superintendent Laura Marler said: "As we've seen in the current climate dogs are an amazing emotional support system – if given the training, love and respect, exercise, stimulation and of course, food and treats.

"When a dog is beside you, you have a sense that they are giving you genuinely unconditional love, and that feels good.

"It creates a bond that enables us to open up.

"PC Tetlow has been a youth engagement officer for seven years and from experience, felt that bringing a well-being dog into a school setting could help us connect better with the children.

"Harley will be on hand to help officers and staff in need of emotional support after a difficult shift or traumatic incident."

You can follow Harley on Instagram @harleyPTD