Since Jason Bloomfield saved a dog which had been left for dead in a bin, the pair have been the best of friends.

And now, two years after the kind-hearted council worker took in the dog, affectionately called Dusty, Suffolk Constabulary has asked them to launch a new campaign.

The 42-year-old, from Creeting St Mary, near Stowmarket, will open the Paws on Patrol initiative at Needham Lakes on Sunday.

The scheme encourages and promotes more responsible dog ownership.

Mr Bloomfield, who works for Mid Suffolk District Council in an A14 clean-up team, said he was looking forward to the day.

He said: “I’m looking forward to going there on Sunday with Dusty, it should be good. Dusty’s still brilliant, he’s still doing well – he’s no problem at all. He’s one of the family, I could not imagine life without him.”

Dusty was found inside a roadside bin along the A14 in 2012. Mr Bloomfield immediately struck up a friendship with the dog who was found without a collar and microchip. He was able to keep Dusty after his owners did not come forward after 28 days.

The duo became famous with Mr Bloomfield and his canine friend being stopped in the street by people who had recognised them from news reports.

He added: “He’s been fed well, probably too well – he’s been spoilt rotten. I love him to bits but dogs are hard work so I would not want any more.”

Police in Babergh and Mid Suffolk are behind the campaign with dog owners able to sign up at Needham Lakes on Sunday or at Alton Water on April 12. Both days will run between 10am-2pm.

Dog owners will have the opportunity to get their dogs micro-chipped for free courtesy of the RSPCA, get a complimentary doggy bag, meet with businesses in the pet sector and have the opportunity to chat with canine behaviourists and trainers.

Diana Kearsley, portfolio-holder for the community at Mid Suffolk, said: “Our two district councils welcome this new initiative and working with the Suffolk Safer Neighbourhood Teams to encourage and promote more responsible dog ownership.

“Most dog owners enjoy their pets, walking and caring for them; Paws on Patrol will help to keep our rural Suffolk clean and free from unsociable behaviour.”

The scheme also encourages dog owners to be responsible community members ensuring they clean up after their pet and it is vaccinated, micro-chipped and wears an ID collar. Once joined-up, a membership pack will be issued and discounts available from dog-related businesses.

The display team Paws of Parham will be demonstrating their fly ball and agility team, with the opportunity to for owners to join in themselves at Needham Lakes.

The Paws on Patrol committee are currently in the process of identifying further venues for launches later in the year, in west Babergh and north Mid Suffolk.

Anyone interested in joining the scheme but is unable to make any of the registration days should contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team by calling 101 or by going to www.suffolk.police.uk