LANCASHIRE Constabulary is looking for new recruits but prospective candidates must have a wet nose, four legs and fur!

The dog training section is on the look out for suitable dogs for general policing work.

Particular breeds that they are interested in are german shepherd, rottweiler, rhodesian ridgeback, giant schnauzer and doberman.

Others such as spaniel and labradors will also be considered for specialist work.

Officers at the dog training school usually take dogs aged between 12 months and two and a half years.

The dogs are brought to the police for a variety of reasons, such as becoming difficult to control or proving unsuitable as family pets.

Said Dave King of the training section: "We are very keen to hear from dog owners who are considering giving up their pet for whatever reason. We do follow a procedure to see if the dogs are suitable, this includes monitoring the dog within its own home followed by a 28 day period at the training school where the dogs are assessed for specific skills and attributes to see if they will make good police dogs."

He added: "Should the dog be suitable they will be taken on by the force and trained accordingly to become fully operational. If, for any reason, dogs are not suitable they are either returned to their owner or an alternative home is found."

If you think your pooch may be suitable call the Dog Training Section on 01772 618412 and speak to any of the instructors.

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