POLICE officer Barry Reid wants to become a dog handler but he has not got a dog.

The one he was assigned, Max, was too docile and not suited to police duties so he was returned to his owners.

Now PC Reid needs to find another dog before his training course starts next week.

PC Reid, who is currently based in Swindon central but is set to move to Devizes is looking for an Alsatian, of either sex, aged between 10 and 18 months.

He said: "The dog needs to be quite alert because some dogs can be quite lethargic.

'It also needs to have a keen retrieval instinct, which means it likes playing with toys and fetching things.

Anyone with a suitable dog should call Bob Pocock from Wiltshire Dog Training on (01380) 722341.