A POLICE dog who has helped to sniff out tens of thousands of pounds of drugs and cash is retiring from North Yorkshire Police.

Nine-year-old cocker spaniel Tommy, was a drugs detection dog who started working for the force in January 2008.

He went on to sniff out thousands of pounds worth of drugs and money during his time serving the communities of North Yorkshire.

Some of his notable finds include £35,000 worth of cannabis hidden in the void of a fold-down roof of a car, cannabis hidden in a steering wheel and £1,000 cash hidden in the roof lining of a car.

Tommy - who officially retired last month - has now gone to live with PC Catherine Midgley and his former colleague, retired general purpose police dog Benson.

PC Paul Potter, Tommy's handler, said: “Tommy was a real character and was recognisable to many officers in the force. He excelled with vehicle searches and assisted many of our specialist teams including the firearms support unit, roads policing officers and the road crime team.

“Tommy has gone to a caring and loving home and can now relax and enjoy his retirement with his former partner in crime, PD Benson who retired in 2009.”

PC Potter has now taken on a new drugs detection dog, 15-month old Atom, a black sprocker spaniel who passed his final drug snifing exams last Thursday.

North Yorkshire Police currently have 26 dogs which include 16 general purpose police dogs, five drugs detection dogs and five explosive detection dogs

There are five puppies currently being assessed under the puppy walking scheme.