AVON and Somerset Police scooped second prize at this year's South West and South Wales Regional Police Dog Trials.

The event saw 13 police dogs compete in various exercises designed to replicate the operational police environment.

Handlers and their dogs undertook a series of practical based tests, designed to test and demonstrate their skills in aspects of obedience, tracking, searching and the use of force.

Despite stiff competition, PC Guy Williams and his police dog Ben, a six year old German Shepherd, came up trumps.

PC Williams said: "The trials is a culmination of five years of hard work by myself and Ben, which has resulted in a great performance over the three days."

Sergeant Denis McCoy said: "Everyone at the dog section is really proud of PC Williams and Ben's performance.

"Just hours after their success, they were both back on the streets patrolling their area - doing what they do best."