MEET Southport Lifeboat’s latest recruit.

William, a 15-month-old labradoodle, has joined the team as their first ever Search and Rescue (SAR) dog.

The four-legged friend is embarking on a series of challenging training sessions in preparation for the role, which will see him finding lost or injured people on the shore and alerting his human counterparts.

William’s owner, Neil Rothwell, said: “After recent call-outs, it has been agreed that a dog trained in SAR would be a good asset to Southport Rescue.

“The first thing he needs to master is to bark for his tennis ball. When he does, he gets to play with the ball.

“The thinking behind this is that when he finds someone he gets to play with his tennis ball, but what he will be doing is saving someone’s life.”

William, who is part Irish water spaniel, part poodle and part Labrador is genetically well-equipped for life as a rescue dog.

Neil explained: “He has a good, thick waterproof coat to keep him warm and dry, even after a long time out on a search. He also needs long legs, a deep chest for stamina and speed.”

A number of local businesses have teamed up to fund his training, including Woodbine Boarding Kennels, Agricultural Repair Services, Quenton Arbour from Ainsdale, NFU Mutual Insurance, Pets Paraphernalia and Sue Murray, from Westhead.