CHILDREN are being asked to “paws for thought” and come up with a code name to the fire service’s newest recruit.

Primary schools in Bolton have been called upon for help to give give Eric, a 17-month-old black Labrador, a code name for when he is out using the power of his nose to keep people safe. Eric is described as intelligent, full of energy with sniffing powers that are second to none.

Other fire dogs have included Cracker, Ace and Echo but Cracker will soon be passing on her dog collar as she heads towards retirement after 10 years of high quality work.

Fire dogs are put through several months of intensive training to make sure they are the best they can be and can work in all kinds of situations.

Mike Dewar, dog unit manager who lives in Kearsley, said: “Eric is going to work really well as he has so much energy — which is exactly what you want from a fire investigation dog.

“Cracker has been showing him the ropes and he’s going to be an excellent replacement, and keep up the tradition of high quality dogs that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service provide to the region.”

Echo was taken to Haiti in 2010 following the devastating earthquake with his handler Mr Dewar.

Schools are asked to email their entries to namethedog@manchesterfire.gov.uk

Entries need to be sent to namethedog@manchesterfire.gov.uk by Friday, March 3, with the winner to be announced shortly afterwards on Twitter @ManchesterFire.