AN abandoned puppy received a hero's welcome when he returned to the animal shelter he used to call home.

Benson, a black Labrador crossbreed, is now a multi-purpose drugs dog.

Staff at the Evesham National Canine Defence League centre spotted his potential two years ago.

Benson's nosy nature and intriguing intelligence often led to mischief.

Chris Sight, manager of Evesham NCDL, said: "It is great to see Benson again and to see how far he has come. Once an unwanted puppy, he is now a working dog who obviously loves his job."

Although staff said Benson was a good-natured animal, they thought his boisterous nature made him slightly too unruly to be a family pet.

But Benson's investigative nature made him a perfect candidate to be a working dog.

Benson went through 12 weeks of intensive training at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray.

The dog's keen sense of smell is now being put to good use.

Sergeant Dave Brooks of the Procurement Section of the Defence Animal Centre said: "It is great for us to be able to offer rescue dogs like Benson another chance."