HE HAS been a very good boy for more than nine years.

But now it is time for Harley, a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service dog, to retire.

The black Labrador, born in May 12 2011, forms part of HIWFRS Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team based at Eastleigh Fire Station.

Harley’s first three years of his fire service career were spent undergoing an intense training programme learning how to detect live human scent from missing people following major incidents such as fires, building collapses, landslides and gas explosions.

Along with his handler, Graham Howlett, he 'volunteers' to form part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UK-ISAR) teams, called on to respond to natural disasters throughout the world at 24 hours notice.

"Our dogs and their handlers maintain a 24/7 response so they are ready to deploy to incidents that require the use of their specialist skills, not only within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight but throughout the UK to any major incident," said a spokesperson for HIWFRS.

"They are selected at a young age and specially chosen for their high search drive. All our dogs are well cared for and live with their respective handlers who, along with the fire service, are responsible for their welfare and needs.

"The dogs provide almost 10 years of service and once trained attend annual training refresher courses to ensure they are not barking up the wrong tree!"

According to the service, Harley is likely to spend his retirement chasing tennis balls and swimming in the sea – two of his favourite things.

He will also be keeping his favourite toy, 'Ragger’.

The service also said Harley's favourite place for a walk is along the beach.