A POLICE force is appealing for locations where it can put the skills of its four-legged recruits to the test.

Northumbria police's dog section is desperately in need of derelict or unused buildings such as factories, schools or warehouses to train its dogs.

The section uses buildings at Prudhoe Hospital, a factory in Washington, a home for the elderly in Ashington and a derelict school in Blyth.

Sergeantt Glen Bland, of the dog section, said: "We want to give them a challenge and make it as real as possible. We are after anything with corridors and rooms. Any type of building would be suitable as a training venue.

"Ideally we are looking for places that are unused during the day, as that is when we do most of our training, but we also do some in the evenings. The obvious benefit for the owners is the additional security while we are there."

A variety of dog breeds are used, including German Shepherds, which are used for searches and catching suspects.

Spaniels and labradors are also trained by the force to search for Class A and Class B drugs or indicate the presence of drugs.

To provide a building, call Sgt Bland on 01661 872555, extension 68638.