Kent Police is looking for more four-legged crimebusters to join its team.

The force is looking to train a number of new German Shepherd dogs, who are used to track suspects, search for illegal items and look for missing people.

Dogs aged between 12 and 18 months can join the service – but they must "possess lots of energy, be confident and sociable and enjoy playing with toys".

Any animals put forward will be assessed at home before being given a four-day suitability assessment at the Kent Police kennels. More training will take place in the second week of January.

Insp Preston Chalk of Kent Police said: "All of our dogs live with their handlers and receive the very best in nutrition and veterinary care.

"Kent Police operates a voluntary lay visitor's scheme in partnership with the RSPCA and Guide Dogs for the Blind and our kennels and dogs are routinely inspected by them."

Anyone wishing to gift their dog to Kent Police should contact kennel manager Sue Gibbs by email or by calling 07980 770597.