A POLICE officer took a break from her day job to run 13 miles for retired canine colleagues.

Chief Inspector Ronnie Egan at Essex Police took part in the Colchester Half Marathon yesterday.

Ronnie, in charge of the force's Dog Section, was raising money for the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund.

It is an independent registered charity set up by volunteers to help towards veterinary and welfare costs for retired police dogs.

Having just recovered from the flu, Ronnie conquered the half marathon in just two and a half hours while being cheered on by retired police dogs Baloo, Copper and Razor.

Police dogs, like their human handlers, retire at the end of their working life or through injury or illness.

Their dog handlers rehome them if they are able to while working with a new police dog or they are rehomed into the police family or by members of the public.

Ronnie has been a police officer for almost 30 years.

To sponsor Ronnie visit www.gofundme.com/xx948r-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help.