POLICE hope to collar drug dealers in North Durham with the help of a new canine recruit.

The Durham and Chester-le-Street division is seeking £40,000 from a Government fund for its own silent "scanner" dog.

Scanner dogs are trained to sniff out drugs and sit quietly in front of the suspect, giving their handler a clear pointer.

If the division's bid is successful, the animal will be used to patrol pubs, nightclub queues, Durham's railway station, colleges and youth clubs.

The division is making the bid because the team of drugs dogs available to the whole of the Durham force is not always able to meet its needs.

Chief Superintendent Eric Suddes, the divisional commander, said: "A lot of drugs are sold in and around licensed premises.

"While there is no criticism of the force's dog section, our own animal will give us the flexibility to work alongside our licensing squad at peak times - particularly Friday and Saturday nights."

The funding would support the scheme for three years.

The scheme has won the support of the crime and disorder partnerships in Durham and Chester-le-Street.

Chief Supt Suddes said: "We are hopeful the bid will be successful and we plan to carry out an evaluation of the project in the second year.

"If it is the success we believe it will be, we may look to sponsorship from the licensed trade at the end of the three years to keep the scheme going."