West Mercia police are looking for new recruits - no academic qualifications are needed but all applicants must have four legs.

The force is looking for the crme de la crme of the canine world to join its dog section, based at its Hindlip Hall headquarters.

The force is appealing for large, friendly animals, ideally eight or nine months old, but those up to 18 months old will be considered.

Insp Tony Fisher, head of the dog section, said: "We need dogs that are playful, inquisitive and in good health.

"Dogs that require plenty of stimulation are particularly suited to police work. Often the best dogs have more energy than most owners can cope with, and may be destructive because they are not getting enough stimulation."

German Shepherds or German Shepherd crosses are easiest to train but the force will consider any large dogs.

West Mercia has 35 general purpose dogs, plus an additional 20 dogs of varying breeds trained to search for drugs, explosives or cash.

The dogs live at home with their handlers and are used for various purposes, including searching for people or abandoned property, dealing with violent or armed offenders, football matches and incidents of disorder.

Insp Fisher added: "Work is fun for a police dog as it gets to use all its senses and natural instincts for searching, tracking and barking. They get far more exercise and stimulation than the average pet."

Anyone interested in donating a dog is asked to contact the West Mercia dog section on 01905 332321 or e-mail anthony.fisher@westmercia.pnn. police.uk

West Mercia police are also looking for suitable premises to train police dogs, Empty buildings with parking facilities are ideal.