Rescue dogs lead the way

IN training . . . (from left) Paul Bartram and Flo; John Coombs and Flash; Nick Shepard and Bill Batson with Angus

MORE than 20 top dogs and their handlers from across the UK travelled to Dovestone as part of an intensive three-day training exercise.

The event was part of the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) programme to study dogs and handlers first hand, to assess and train them for join rescue teams. Oldham Mountain Rescue leader Mick Nield helped supervise the SARDA assessment.

He said: “The event went very well. Snowy conditions gave the teams a real chance to hone up on their training skills.”

Last year, police requested SARDA assistance on 87 searches, involving 435 search hours for volunteer handlers and their search dogs. SARDA was formed in 1965 and initially covered the whole of the UK. By 1971 it had become devolved into Scottish, English and Welsh associations.