THE family of a police constable who died last month have ensured his name will live on - by gifting a new police puppy in his memory.

Keith Pattison, who was 56, died in hospital after falling from the loft of his York home the month before.

His family were determined to do something positive to remember him by – and have presented the North Yorkshire force with a ten-week-old German Shepherd pup.

The youngster – known as Patto - will eventually become a general purpose police dog, helping to sniff out criminals and search for missing people.

Keith’s daughter, Katie Pattison, said: “My dad loved dogs and had a special interest in the force’s dog section.

”Although he never became a dog handler, I know he always thought about it, but it was never the right time.

“PD Patto is a fitting tribute to him and will ensure his memory lives on in North Yorkshire Police.”

Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal added: “Our thanks go to Keith’s family for their extremely generous donation.

“Keith was a popular and dedicated officer and I can’t think of a better way to remember him by.”

Sergeant Simon Whitby, who heads the force’s dog section, welcomed Patto to his team.

He said: “Keith’s death has saddened us all and having PD Patto on the team is a wonderful way to ensure that his memory lives on.”

PD Patto currently lives with his puppy walker who will get him used to many situations. In a few months he will be teamed up with a dog handler or instructor who will train him in the basics needed to become a canine crime-fighter.