DOG lovers are being asked to help a new charity by making a date with Durham’s canine cops.

Officers from Durham Constabulary’s dog section created the Paws Up charity for retired police dogs.

It was created to look after the welfare of police dogs once they retire from active service, normally once they reach the age of between eight and 10.

The fund helps provide pet insurance, food, toys and bedding.

A range of money-spinning merchandise has already been produced, including branded beanie hats, cuddly toys, mugs, t-shirts and pin badges.

The latest fundraising scheme is the creation of an A3 Paws Up 2014 calendar which features pictures of both serving and retired police dogs.

The images were provided by members of local photographic societies following a photo shoot held in June.

PC Ian Squire, from the force’s dog section, said: “When our dogs retire they are kept by their handlers or kindly re-homed by generous members of the public, friends or colleagues.

“Historically there was no real provision to assist with the costs of looking after the animals after they put their paws up.

“This left the handlers or their new owners with the responsibility of meeting what can sometimes be considerable costs.

“The charity is in effect a pension fund for the dogs, and should provide a stable future for them and their owners.”

The calendar is on sale for £5 each, or £8 including postage and packing, via the website pawsup.org.uk.