The smell of money is set to cost criminals dear in Worcestershire.

West Mercia Police's dogs are already trained to pick up the scent of drugs but now the force has trained them to identify money.

The exercise has taken about a week and police dog Toby - one of the first in the region to receive the training - is demonstrating his skills at force headquarters at Hindlip Hall near Worcester this week.

The dogs include spaniels, collies and German shepherds and will be used on operations where it is suspected there are large amounts of money present, for instance in investigating drug crime.

They have already had their first success since completing training, with drugs and cash being found at an incident in the county. Charges have been brought.

Insp Tony Fisher, head of the force's dog section, said: "The dogs are already trained to recognise the scent of certain illegal drugs and I'm very pleased with the way they've picked up this new skill."

The launch of the pioneering scheme is part of a series of events for Inside Justice Week - which runs from Monday, October 17, to Sunday, October 23.

The week aims to increase public awareness and understanding of the Criminal Justice System.

It also encourages the public to help deliver justice, through reporting crime, acting as witnesses or volunteering, for example with Victim Support.

Other activities planned include an information session at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday, October 19, for people wanting to know about becoming a magistrate.

There will also be an open court day in Hereford's on Saturday, October 22, where people can get guided tours of the historical crown court rooms, try their hand at being a scenes of crime investigator and take fingerprints, among other activities.

The underlying message for the week is that witnesses should shop criminals to the police if they see them committing offences.

More details on the week's events are available at: www.cjsonline.gov.uk/insidejustice