Dog lovers are urged to get off the sofa and start a new year's resolution by becoming a police puppy walker.

The force is looking for people to help rear and look after a number of German shepherd and Belgian malinois puppies aged from eight weeks to a year old.

Officers are looking for people who have a lot of time to spare and are at home most of the day.

Anyone thinking of becoming a puppy walker will also need to go to the force's kennels with their pups once a month for training classes.

Potential dog walkers would need to go through a home check, but would get all food, equipment and veterinary costs met by the force.

Insp Preston Chalk said: "Our puppies develop best when brought up within families. This allows them to meet and socialise with people in a variety of different conditions.

"In order to prepare the pups for a career in policing, our puppy walkers are asked to expose the pups to the everyday sounds, smells and experiences so that their confidence develops.

"Although rearing high drive puppies can be challenging and requires a great deal of time and attention, love and affection, it is immensely rewarding too."

The police are also looking to recruit more German shepherds and need dogs aged between 12 and 18 months old to join the service.

Ideal candidates get first class training, will be nurtured and will learn how to track, search and looking for missing people.

If your interested in becoming a carer for a puppy or would like to donate one, call Sue Gibbs Kent Police's kennel manager, on weekdays between 8am and 4pm on 07980 770597.

• Alternatively email kentpolicegiftdogs@kent.pnn.police.uk