POLICE dogs are on the trail of thieves and vandals who are hampering heritage saviours.

Dog handlers have taken to the fields around Astley Green pit following a spate of break-ins and damage at the northern industrial enthusiasts' Red Rose Steam museum.

Red Rose chairman Geoff Jones explained: "We've had break-ins, vandalism and items stolen in day and night attacks and our volunteers get verbal abuse at regular intervals.

"In the area surrounding the buildings we have found camps with syringes and empty tins.

"We are happy to hear police from the mounted and dog sections will be keeping an eye on things for us."

Leigh Police Supt Malcolm Howells said: "There are 42 acres of land there and the pit is an ideal area for exercising police dogs. Rest assured, police officers will not hesitate to interrupt training sessions to deal with offenders."

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