Police Dogs Display Team set for Royal Cornwall Show bow Officers of the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, of the two and four legged variety, will be taking to the main ring at this year's Royal Cornwall Show.

The police dogs and their handlers have been assigned to fulfil a specific duty at the show. To entertain and educate the gathered crowds at Cornwall's largest annual event. It is a little different than their normal day-to-day role helping to keep Cornish communities safe.

The force's 30 general purpose police dogs are all German Shepherds. The instantly recognisable breed lend themselves perfectly to the wide range of duties the job requires. They can be deployed to track missing people, hunt down and detain missing suspects and locate lost or stolen property.

PC Steve Waters with Police Dog Lady, PC Andy Lewis with Police Dog Bo and PC Ben Jobes with Police Dog Ash will be starring in the main ring show.

These solid working partnership are very much for life. The dogs not only work with their own handler, but live with them as well. The dogs remain with their handler after they retire from active service when they reach nine years of age.

The general purpose dogs will be joined at the show by their canine colleagues who fulfil specific tasks such as firearms support, drugs and explosives searching. Typically roles suited to Spaniels and Labradors.

There may be some police dog puppies in attendance as well. The force started their own in-house breeding programme two years ago. Police Dog Ash being one of the first success stories arising from this new initiative.

It'll be the first time the team will have put on such a display, but they are practicing hard to create a fun but informative event for all to enjoy.

Sargeant Colin Harper, based at Bodmin, will provide expert commentary. Introducing the dogs, explaining their training and describing the skills being demonstrating during the display. He is pleased to be able to show off what they can do on Cornwall's biggest stage.

"We do visit schools and smaller events, we attend to engage with the general public. This is a great opportunity to increase awareness within the community of what our dogs do.

"We will be demonstrating various aspects of our role during the display including searching and criminal work."

The display might be a new departure for Cornwall's police dogs and their handlers, but they are no strangers to the venue.

"We often come to the Royal Cornwall showground to train our dogs." added Sargeant Harper.

The show's organisers are expecting well over 100,000 people to attend the three day show, held at Wadebridge , on the 4, 5 and 6th June.

For more information please visit www.royalcornwall.co.uk