Officers in the county do not have enough German Shepherds for this year's dog training courses.

The next dog training course begins on 16 September - but at the moment Durham Police only has one dog for the three handlers booked on it.

It means constables Graham Kell, from Chester-le-Street, and Michael Nesbitt, from Sedgefield, have no leads at the moment.

'Too boisterous'

Up to 40 posters are up in vets' practices around the county, for at least two animals to join the team.

Officers are asking for either dogs or bitches, as long as they are pedigree German Shepherds between one and two years old with a good temperament.

They hope anyone with a pet they can no longer look after will come forward.

The scheduled 13-week training course takes place at Harperley Hall, on the outskirts of Crook.

Course organiser Police Constable Ian Henderson said: "The posters in the vets' surgeries are there in case anyone has a dog which has become too big or boisterous.

"Or if their personal circumstances have changed meaning it's no longer possible for them to keep the animal."

The dogs should be fully vaccinated, bold, and willing to search for a toy.