CANINE heroes and their handlers have been captured in this spectacular collection of images by Oxford Mail Camera Club member Mark Bentley.

The photographer showcases retired Thames Valley Police dogs, volunteers with their animal helpers from local Lowland Search and Rescue teams, as well as current police dogs and their handlers.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Bentley, 48, from Carterton, said: "I started out by doing aviation and photographs of my own dogs and met Bucks search and rescue team at a local event and got asked if I could take photos of them.

Camera Club got 'up close' this week - see our favourite snaps

"Then I got involved with pensions4paws after seeing them at a Thames Valley Police open day."

The charity supports retired police and fire dogs from Hampshire Constabulary, Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Oxford Mail:

When a police or fire dog retires they receive no financial assistance, all the cost of care and ongoing treatment falls upon the new owner.

Get to know another of our Camera Club members in our profile feature

Mr Bentley, who works at Burford Quarry in Brize Norton, added: "I have got to know a lot of the search dog handlers along with the TVP dog handlers who always love me to take photos of their canine heroes."

Oxford Mail:

He said he did not make money from the images but used his photography skills to promote the work of the charities.

More of the amateur photographer's work can be seen on the Oxford Mail Camera Club Facebook group or via his own page by searching Pebble Monkey Photography. 

There is still time to enter this week's Camera Club challenge which is for the theme 'gatherings'.