Paws on patrol: West Yorkshire’s dogged duo ready to collar crooks
Plus, Shaymen get first pre-season win to delight of new boss
Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.
We’re apparently in the grip of a THIRD heatwave this summer and while the hot temperatures have had me heading for the shade, the various towns across Calderdale have been packed with folk soaking up some rays.
I took a trip to Todmorden Market yesterday and I have to say it was brilliant to see not only so many people out and about but also the range of independent traders selling their wares. It’s definitely worth a trip if you’ve not been recently.
In today’s edition we’ve got news of West Yorkshire Police’s newest recruits - a pair of new sniffer dogs who have been brought in to help fight crime across the area.
There’s a cracking video of them in action as well!
Plus, we’ve got some reaction to FC Halifax Town’s 3-1 win over Bolton Wanderers B team, the Shaymen’s first win under new boss Adam Lakeland.
So, on with the news…
West Yorkshire's top dogs ready to sniff out crime
By Andrew Greaves
Criminals across Calderdale will soon have another crime-fighting force to reckon with in the shape of two new four-legged recruits.
Two new drug detection dogs, Ralph and Bailey, have joined West Yorkshire Police after successfully completing their initial training course.
The skilled canines are trained to detect drugs, cash, and firearms, and are now ready to assist at crime scenes, uncovering vital evidence in exchange for their favourite reward: tennis balls.
PC Steve Taylor, a West Yorkshire Police Dog Trainer, explained the training process: “I’ve made the ball their priority. They’ll search anywhere, go anywhere, as long as they get their reward.”
The training begins with play, teaching the dogs to search for a tennis ball. Drugs are then introduced, and when the dogs detect the scent, the ball is delivered, creating a strong association.
PC Taylor added: “The ball seems to appear from where the scent’s coming from, and the dog thinks, ‘This is brilliant, I smell that smell, and the ball appears.’”
PD Ralph joined West Yorkshire Police at 10 weeks old alongside his brother Billy, who was not suited for police work.
Ralph lived with PC Taylor for seven months, undergoing agility training and exposure to diverse environments such as railway stations, buses, vans, hotels, and woods.
Both Ralph and Bailey completed an eight-week Drugs Detection Dog Training Course with their handlers, PC Kevin Greenup and PC Tom Allen.
PD Ralph is named in honour of former West Yorkshire Police officer Ralph Huntington, who served for 30 years before retiring in 1980 as Superintendent.
Chief Inspector James Farrar, Ralph’s grandson and the force’s Dog Section Lead, expressed pride in the tribute: “Dogs are a crucial part of the policing family, and it’s only right we recognise their valuable role. Their handlers show immense dedication in training and understanding each dog’s unique personality to get the best out of them.
“I am especially proud to name a dog after my grandad, who dedicated 30 years to serving our communities. There is no greater challenge and no greater honour than to be in public service.”
Before we move on, we’re delighted to share with you that The Lead North, which includes The Calderdale Lead, has been nominated for a prestigious Press Gazette Future of Media Award!
We’ve been shortlisted in the Best Journalism-based Newsletters of 2025 (Specialist/Regional) category.
We’re up against some stiff competition include The Financial Times, Belfast Telegraph and Democracy for Sale among others.
The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony and dinner on Thursday 11 September at London’s Hilton Bankside.
Shaymen boss pleased with first win as side steps up pre-season programme
Halifax Town boss Adam Lakeland said he was pleased with his team’s pre-season progress after a convincing 3-1 win over Bolton Wanderers’ B team yesterday.
Second-half goals from Tom Pugh, Jamie Cook and Owen Bray were enough to see off a spirited Wanderers side, whose consolation came from a wonder-strike in the dying minutes.
The Shaymen get their National League campaign underway on August 9 with a trip to Braintree Town but yesterday’s friendly was a chance for Lakeland to see where his side were up to ahead of the big kick-off.
And after the win he said: “Some of our play at times was good. We're seeing some of the things we're working on in training coming through which is always pleasing. It was nice to score three goals, and three good goals at that. We should have had more.
“Disappointed with the goal we conceded. Albeit it was a fantastic effort from their lad from the half way line. But, we can't be turning the ball over that easily in the middle of the pitch.
“It was another pleasing and positive day for us. We've managed to get minutes into everyone. The majority got another 45, a few only did 30, and then a few did an hour. It's given us another chance to have a look at everyone.
“Another positive day for us. We'll be back in on Monday, trying to get better for Tuesday.”
In other news, Town have announced that Festus Arthur will leave the club. The defender made 38 appearances for The Shaymen over the last 3 seasons.
The Shaymen are next in action on Tuesday against Clitheroe.
That’s it for this edition.
Don’t forget that if you’ve got anything to contribute to The Calderdale Lead, whether that’s a tip-off, a story idea or you have a press release you want to send us, you can do so by emailing calderdale@thelead.uk.
We’ll be back with a midweek edition but until then, enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Andrew