The UK’s longest-serving police dog, whose keen nose saw him sniff out drugs across Beds, Herts and beyond, has died after a short illness.

Former drugs, cash and weapons detection dog Brewster, who was 15, served with the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit for 11 years, and made national headlines when he finally retired in January last year.

The springer spaniel, described by his handler PC Dave Pert as “legendary”, served across the the east of England in all sorts of settings, from thwarting smugglers at Luton Airport to discouraging anti-social behaviour in Hitchin.

The biggest find of his career was £25,000 stashed in a wardrobe. On another occasion he sniffed out a kilo of amphetamine hidden in a garden.

PC Pert said: “We are so grateful that Brewster came into our lives. He was truly a legendary dog, renowned across the three counties for his incredible nose. Indeed, officers were still requesting his services long after he retired.

“He was a brilliant asset to the unit and I am glad he had time with us to enjoy his retirement. He loved coming away with us in the caravan and he particularly enjoyed people watching – he was a very sociable dog with a great temperament.

“Thankfully his illness was brief, but we will miss him terribly as he was a huge part of our lives.”

Brewster, originally from North Yorkshire, was gifted to police after his owners decided he had too much energy for them.

The naturally inquisitive canine – whose eyes were different colours – was fully trained and licensed within three weeks, and entered active service in August 2005.

He remained on patrol with PC Pert until his retirment, becoming one of the most well-known dogs in the unit.

Among other things, Brewster took part in multi-agency operations at motorway service stations, to help stop the transport of illegal drugs and cash.

He and PC Pert also helped to promote the police and crime prevention messages, appearing at schools and clubs.

The community projects they supported included one in Hitchin that aimed to combat anti-social behaviour.

After his retirement at the age of 13, Brewster remained with PC Pert and enjoyed many holidays and trips to the seaside before he died earlier this month.