Kent Police will host the National Police Dog Trials next year for the first time in the prestigious event’s 49-year history.

The event will be held between Thursday April 23 and Sunday April 26 2009.

The public part of the trials will take place at historic Leeds Castle near Maidstone.

The trials will be held in three phases. The final and most visual phase involves obedience, agility, long distance work, barking on command, chasing and detaining an offender, stand off, weapon attacks and emergency recall. This phase will be held in the castle grounds and a large spectator area will be available to the public.

Around 30 police officers from across the UK will compete for the national title after having successfully qualified from their respective force and in the regional trials.

Kent Police has an impressive track record in the event, having won six national police dog titles in the last four years. Assistant Chief Constable for Kent Police’s Specialist Operations directorate, Mr. Allyn Thomas, said: "Police dogs perform a vital role in modern law enforcement and as such, are an integral part of every police force.

"They can detect drugs, cash and explosives. They can help us find missing people, evidence and clues that help us solve crimes. They are a real asset to police work and it goes without saying that police dogs have long held the interest and fascination of the public."

Leeds Castle management expects around 5,000 people to visit the castle daily.

While visitors will pay admission to the Castle as normal they will see the trials free of charge.