WEST Mercia police are calling on landowners to supply them with potential training grounds for hostage rescues - because their own centres are not realistic enough.

The force has launched an appeal for owners of buildings as well as land to offer places where training could be carried out.

"We're looking for buildings of all shapes and sizes - houses, factories, and office blocks, as well as open land in rural areas," said Sgt Bill Bradley.

"While we do have a number of limited purpose-built facilities, it is important for officers to train in realistic settings, perhaps working in limited space and in environments that are new to them."

The force needs places in which to fine-tune hostage rescues, abseiling and search techniques.

"We've already used a number of buildings and we discuss the nature of training with the owner in advance," said Sgt Bradley.

"Many homes these days have solid security doors with good quality locks and officers need to know how to gain entry while causing minimum damage. A number of officers in every division are now trained in these skills."

Anyone who owns buildings which are not in use, or scheduled to be bulldozed, can contact him on 01905 723000, extension 2704.

Instructors yesterday put two members of the Gurkha contingent of the Singapore police through their paces at Kingfisher House, part of the Kingfisher complex in Redditch.

The officers are spending a number of weeks with West Mercia police's firearms school, learning skills required to enter a building to rescue an elderly or vulnerable person, or a hostage.

Kingfisher House is to be demolished later this year to make room for a 200,000 sq ft extension to the centre, including a bus station and indoor market.