Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for the public's help to name their newest canine recruits in an online competition.

The first puppy out of the litter of seven is called "Ash" but the other six, born to force brood bitch Ruby last month, are still awaiting names.

As this litter of puppies are the first litter Devon and Cornwall Police have bred they will be known as litter "A" and all suggested names need to begin with the letter "A".

Falmouth Packet: Ruby with her seven pups

ABOVE: The puppies with their mother Ruby shortly after being born

Force dog handler, Paul Glennon, said: "The puppies and their mother are all doing well and the puppies are growing really fast. 

"We thought it would be nice to ask the public for their suggestions on naming the puppies, especially as this is the first litter we have bred ourselves."

Anyone wishing to name the puppies can find photos of each puppy posted on the Devon and Cornwall Police's Facebook page

To suggest a name, or names, "Like" the Facebook page and post your suggestions as comments underneath each puppy’s photograph.

The winners will be chosen by Paul and be invited to meet the puppies at their first press event, which will take place on Tuesday, July 23.

Once they have been named, the puppies will be allocated to their puppy walkers, who will take care of them for about a year, until they are ready for their formal training with the force.

The competition is being run through the Devon and Cornwall Police Facebook page from today (July 10) until next Thursday, July 18.

To visit the police Facebook page, click here.