CANINE recruits are needed to swell the ranks of police dogs in Gloucestshire.

Gloucestershire Police Dog Training Unit is on the lookout for suitable dogs to join the force!

A new training course starts on Monday, September 22 and more dogs are needed to train up.

Constabulary drugs dog instructor PC Rich Hunt said: “ We are running a proactive drugs/cash/weapons search course, and are hoping to have a full line-up of 'students’ on the course

"We are on the lookout for privately-owned dogs that owners are willing to donate to us for this vital work.

“The type of dog we are looking for would be working-type dogs such as Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador cross springer, Collie cross springer.

"They need to be aged between 12 months and two years old and most importantly they need to have a very high ‘play and search’ drive.

“The sort of dog we need would search all day if they lost their tennis ball in the field! Playing with a tennis ball is really important as that is the main reward we would use when teaching the dogs to find things.

"Anyone who believes their dog fits the bill and is willing to offer them to us is asked to contact me urgently, since we only have two weeks before the course starts.

"Contact me (PC Richard Hunt) on 07788 454916 and we will come out and assess your dog to see if it would be suitable. Thanks to everyone for your support.”