South Wales Police is appealing for people to donate dogs that can be trained to work with officers.

The police dog training school at Bridgend, south Wales, needs to recruit more German shepherd dogs.

The dogs, which should ideally be aged between 10 months and two years, will partner their handlers working the same eight-hour shifts.

They should be of a bold nature and keen to chase and retrieve balls or toys.

Dogs play a vital role in fighting crime

Officers appreciate that the dogs play a vital role in the fight against crime in south Wales.

Sergeant Alan Hubbard, of South Wales Police, said: "We find that German shepherds are an ideal dog.

"They are very easy to train, they look the part and they are loyal. We find that they are very agile."

But it is not all hard work for the dogs.

They live with their handlers as part of the family and get to retire a lot earlier than their human colleagues.

You can donate a German shepherd dog to South Wales Police by contacting the dog training school at Waterton Cross, Bridgend, on 01656 655555 extension 28344, between 0900 and 1600, Monday to Friday.