DESPITE being too hot to handle for his previous owners Charlie, the bearded cross border collie proved the perfect match for Cornwall Fire Brigade.

The 16-month old collie is the brigade's newest recruit, working as an accelerant detection dog. He takes over from Nelson who has worked with the brigade since June 1997.

This week Charlie was put through his paces by dog handler and trainer sub officer Richard Gibbons at Truro fire station.

Charlie came from The Blue Cross adoption centre in Tiverton, Devon, after his previous owner found she couldn't handle such a lively dog who wrecked her home.

But his intelligence and enthusiasm proved ideal for Cornwall Fire Brigade which has recruited him as part of the brigade's Fire Investigation Team.

Blue Cross animal behaviourist Claire Luscombe said: "When I was first introduced to Charlie he was like a coiled spring with no idea how to channel his energy, but it soon became clear that he was an extremely quick learner. As many of Charlie's problems seemed to be caused by boredom, the best way to deal with his behaviour was to direct this energy by giving him the mental stimulation he needed."

Claire contacted Cornwall County Fire Brigade and arranged a visit with sub-officer Richard Gibbons. Richard's current dog Nelson was nearing retirement so it was an ideal time to employ another dog.

Nelson has worked on more than 150 incidents, resulting in five convictions, with the rest of the Fire Investigation Team.

Sub-Officer Gibbons said: "Charlie and Nelson are stationed with me at fire brigade headquarters, and their duties with the investigation team include the detection of ignitable liquids which start fires, using their noses."

"Charlie and Nelson have both undergone a strict training regime. This starts with basic retrieval training, using plastic pipes and cotton wool soaked in petrol. These are hidden in various places outside. We then take this process indoors. The dogs then have to learn not to get excited when they find an indication, but just to sit next to the area. This stops any evidence being destroyed. The final stage is direct dropping of partially burnt liquid."

The training takes about two months to complete. Upon completion the dogs have to go for certification at the Fire Service College in Moreton on the Marsh. Charlie passed his certification and will now have to pass competence training annually.

Richard added: "I plan to work Nelson and Charlie together for a couple of months, slowly reducing Nelson's work load. When Nelson eventually retires Charlie will be ready to continue his good work."

Sub-Officer Gibbons is also a member of the Community Fire Safety Unit in fire brigade headquarters. He assists the unit with its campaigns to make Cornwall the safest county in which to live, work and visit.

Hopefully Charlie will also be happy to help with the campaigns.