THEY call it puppy love. Coronation Street's Les Battersby, alias Bruce Jones, meets his new pet, Max the German Shepherd dog.

Max is the result of Greater Manchester Police's new puppy breeding programme at its dog training unit at Chorlton. Max is one of a few puppies who will not go on to become police dogs and has therefore been given to a good home in the region.

GMP's puppy breeding programme is a new scheme that was initiated due to a decline in the number of German Shepherd dogs over the last few years.

Previously dogs were sourced from members of the public but the standard of dogs provided was found to have generally declined.

Now the force is looking for male dogs aged between 12 and 22 months.

So far, the puppy breeding programme has proved a success with more puppies going onto become police dogs.

Generally dogs who take part in the breeding programme must be balanced in mind and body and are not chosen on looks.

GMP has also established a puppy walking scheme and is looking for volunteers to take out eight week old puppies until they are ready for training at approximately 18 months old. Full support and regular updates on the puppy's progress is provided by the Puppy Breed Manager and the walker will receive an invite to the dog's Passing Out Parade.

For further information on Greater Manchester Police's Puppy Breeding Programme or Puppy Walking Scheme, please contact GMP's Puppy Breed Manager, Paul Quinlan on 0161 856 1794.