SOUTH Yorkshire Police had an early Christmas present this year when four new police dogs joined the force’s family.

Each of the new furry recruits, named Taffy, Cole, Boss and Dexter, are springer spaniels and will team up with experienced dog handlers in the force.

A police spokesperson said: “They have all been getting to know each other the past few weeks and have even started learning some basic skills as part of their initial training.

“They will build on these skills in the New Year and will be trained to become specialists in sniffing out class A drugs, firearms and ammunition.

“They will even learn how to pick up the scent of the ink on both plastic and paper bank notes to help stop money laundering.

“Cole, Boss, Taffy and Dexter will all start their specialist training after Christmas and will be taking some well earned rest over this festive period in preparation for this.”