TWO canine siblings are set to follow in their esteemed father’s footsteps and become police dogs.

German shepherds Winston and Wren, aged 18 months, are among a quartet of puppies who have been put through their paces by independent Home Office instructors.

And after months of training, they have passed the approved General Purpose Initial Course, and will begin working with Northumbria Police.

They will specialise in in searching for people and property, as well as tracking and detaining fleeing criminals.

It’s something of a family affair for the siblings, now known as PD Winston and PD Wren. For their father, Luther, is one of the force’s most experienced hounds.

Eight-year-old Luther is set to retire in six months, but will use his remaining time with the force to put Winston through his paces, as the father and son share the same handler, PC Andy Herrington.

Daughter Wren will hone her skills under the watchful eye of her dog handler, PC Hayley Raithby.

Another new recruit, three-year-old Belgium Malinois PD Roxy, will become the first dog trained to course completion for PC Donna Foley, who is new to the dog section, while another Belgium Malinois PD Roscoe, is also ready for action.

The Force’s dog trainer PC Paul Cooper said: “We are so proud of all the dogs for passing their exams, they are brilliant and will be a huge asset to the force.

“Congratulations to their handlers who worked tirelessly to get the dogs up to standard and then through their exams.

“Our handlers don’t just spend their working hours with their police dogs - they open their homes to them too, spending their days off and holidays side by side welcoming them into the family dynamic.”