A head nurse based at a Gorleston hospital has gained a qualification to carry out advanced search and rescues.
Paul Morris, chief nurse at James Paget University Hospital, has been qualified to join advanced search teams with the Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue (SULSAR) alongside his springador, Bailey.
Earlier in August, Mr Morris and Bailey were put through their paces when they participated in a three-day assessment of their searching skills.
The pair took part in a search and rescue assessment in acres of forest and farmland in the Thetford area.
The duo passed a gruelling test of locating an undisclosed number of missing people - played by actors - within two hours.
Mr Morris said: "It was an extremely demanding few days - but I am delighted that we achieved the advanced standard.
“While we are a team, I have to give the credit to Bailey. He was really on his game throughout the three days - and, of course, does most of the running around.”
The distinction means that Bailey is now one of only a handful of search dogs operating in East Anglia qualified to that level.
Mr Morris has worked for the NHS for more than 20 years and was appointed to his current position of chief nurse at the James Paget in April 2020.
He has been a member of SULSAR for 15 years.
For more information about SULSAR, visit www.sulsar.org.uk/home/
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