A CANINE crime fighter who has been tackling criminals for ten years has won a posthumous award from the police.

Spaniel Tara always joined her owner - Farm Watch volunteer Gordon Ball, 71, of Ferryhill - on police operations.

They patrolled rural areas for a decade until Tara’s death earlier this year.

Durham Police decided to mark Tara’s crime fighter skills by presenting Mr Ball, a retired lorry driver, with a plaque in her honour.

Durham’s assistant chief constable David Orford made the presentation today. (Wednesday, November 26)

Chief inspector Chris Reeve, of Durham Police, said: “The award is a way of thanking Mr Ball for all the help his companion gave the force as a keen-nosed volunteer.

“Tara had become a trusty member of Farm Watch and Deer Watch operations in and around Ferryhill.

“Over ten years she spent many hours in the countryside on patrols with her owner and she provided an ideal cover for operations targeting poachers.

“Reducing crime in the rural parts of County Durham continues to be a priority for the force. Tara was a fantastic asset and her contribution will be missed.”