POLICE dogs Dee and Benson are getting around in style, thanks to £14,000 of local sponsorship.

The springer spaniel and German shepherd have new transport in the shape of a Ford Ranger four-wheel drive.

The 2.5-litre diesel turbo is ideal for the off-road conditions where searches with police dogs often take place.

And as many of those searches take place at night, it is also equipped with a powerful searchlight.

PC Brad Jackson, a dog handler with the North Yorkshire force's Ripon-based western area dog section, organised the sponsorship for the vehicle through a number of local businesses.

Although he uses it for Dee and Benson, it can also be used by any of the western area's dog handlers.

"Many of the searches that we carry out are in out-of-the-way areas, often over rough land conditions and in the dark," said PC Jackson.

"It is vital that once we are called we get to the site as quickly as possible - this fantastic vehicle will help us to do that."

"Many thanks to the companies and local landowners, who wish to remain anonymous, for their generosity in sponsoring this vehicle," he said.

The man in charge of the dog section, Sergeant Dave James, said: "It is a testament to Brad Jackson's commitment and professionalism that on his own initiative he contacted several landowners and business people regarding funding for this vehicle.

"There is no doubt that this vehicle will have a major impact on the way that we deliver our services to our colleagues and the public of North Yorkshire."