MARRIED police officers will pound a beat together to raise awareness of a benevolent fund that supports retired police dogs.

PCs Ken and Anne Cruickshank will trek 85 miles along Hadrian’s Wall with Paws Up mascot Bob, a German shepherd soft toy.

Paws Up was set up to provide a retirement fund for police dogs after they have left service with the Durham force and been re-homed with members of the public.

Dog handler Ken and Anne, who works in the communications centre in Bishop Auckland, will begin the challenge tomorrow (Saturday May 11) at Wallsend and aim to complete the last leg on Thursday (Thursday, May 16) at Bowness-on-Solway, in Cumbria.

It is the second time the couple have undertaken the walk, having completed it in four days in 2011 for a different charity.

PC Ken Cruickshank said: “Bob the mascot is becoming something of a globe-trotter. “He’s visited Turkey as well as UK destinations and is booked for holidays in Norway and Spain.

“We thought we’d add some historic locations to his holiday list.”

To follow Bob’s adventures go to www.pawsup.org.uk and follow him on Twitter @DurhamPoliceK9