POLICE dogs and their handlers entertained a crowd of 3,000 people over two days in displays for the second Wiltshire Police Dog Show held at Bowood House and Gardens.

The event, which took place at the weekend, saw a variety of displays by some of the county's dog handlers and their general purpose and specialist search dogs and was hailed a success.

Tri-Force Dogs Inspector Dave Eddy said: “The Wiltshire Police Dog Show was a huge success – our dogs and their handlers performed to huge crowds over the course of the weekend and we hope everyone enjoyed the event as much as we did.

“We aren’t a professional display team and our handlers all took part in their own free time. They did a great job and I am really proud of them all. It was a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of the fantastic work of the Dog Unit and educate the public on some of the many diverse jobs our dogs can assist with. They are so invaluable to us and we were delighted to be able to show off their many skills."

The team of handlers were also joined by colleagues from Firearms, as well as the Neighbourhood Policing Team and some of the force's retired police dogs. A number of vintage police and fire vehicles were also firm favourites for the visitors.

Katinka Rieger, visitor services manager at Bowood House, said: "It was marvellous to welcome back the Wiltshire Police Dog Show for its second year at Bowood House and Gardens.

"Undeterred by Sunday’s disappointing weather, roughly the same number of visitors attended each day of the show with some 3,000 turning out over the whole weekend. Many of the visitors had enjoyed the occasion so much last year that they were determined to return for their second time.

"There was clearly a fantastic engagement between the police, their dogs and members of the public and the feel of this event at Bowood is a truly special one for all age-groups."

Wiltshire Police are looking forward to returning to Bowood House next year for another weekend of canine displays and public engagement.