DOG handlers and their four-legged friends will put their skills on display at the Wiltshire Police Dog Show this weekend.

The two-day event takes place at Bowood House and Gardens, between Chippenham and Calne on Saturday 23 and Sunday, July 24 from 11am to 4pm.

As well as fantastic police dog demonstrations including agility, obstacle courses and chasing down criminals, there will be vintage police cars and fire engines and a chance for children to sit in a marked response police car.

There will also be a children’s emergency service fancy dress competition and Bowood prizes to be won.

Dog section Sergeant Chris Palframan, who will be at the show with his general purpose police dog Ary, said: “The weather is set to be dry and sunny so we are looking forward to a really successful weekend.

“The dogs and their handlers really enjoy the chance to show off their talents to a crowd and they welcome the opportunity to meet and greet the public.

“It is set to be a great family day out – children often love being able to get up close and personal with the dogs and our officers, as well as looking around the vehicles, both new and old.”

Tri-Force Dogs Inspector Dave Eddy said: “We held the display at Bowood last year and it was really popular – it’s great to be able to hold the display in such beautiful surroundings and families can also enjoy all the facilities on offer inside the park.

”We’ll have a variety of general purpose German shepherd dogs and some of our smaller specialist search dogs at Bowood over the weekend, so come along and meet the canines keeping Wiltshire safe.”

Doors open at 11am and the main dog display will take place at noon with a repeat at 3pm. The fancy dress competition judging takes place at 3.30pm. Normal house and gardens admissions apply.

For more information visit www.bowood.org/events or call 01249 812102.