LONG service medals will be handed out by Essex Police - the difference is this time they are going to the dogs.

Essex Police is the first force to design medals for four-legged friends.

They will be engraved with the dates of their service, handed out during special ceremonies and presented in a wooden box etched with their names.

Dog handler Pc Paul Nicholls came up with the idea after installing a plaque dedicated to the memory and faithful service of police dogs in the Chief Constable’s garden at Essex Police headquarters last year.

Since then he’s been working with Dog Unit Inspector Brad Dickel, Essex Police Federation and the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund to bring the idea to life.

He said: "Our police dogs work incredibly hard and support their police officer colleagues throughout the career. Therefore it seems only right that their loyal, brave and unfaltering service be recognised.

"It’s important too that we don’t forget those dogs who have died during service so we’ll be presenting medals in their memory to the handlers they partnered.”

The medals have been funded by Essex Police Federation.

The first ceremony will be held at Essex Police Headquarters in June.

Dog Unit Inspector Brad Dickel said: "Police dogs deploy with handlers 24 hours a day every day throughout Essex in the on-going fight against crime.

"The support provided by these outstanding animals across a wide range of specialisms ensures the safety of the public remains an absolute priority.

"It is only right every retiring police dog receives recognition for their unfaltering bravery and dedication.”

Linda Belgrove, Chair of Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund said: "We are delighted to have been involved in bringing this initiative to fruition and we will continue to give it our full support.

"The medals are a fitting tribute and a symbol of the recognition that is due to these exceptional dogs who have loyally served the people of Essex.”