POLICE have launched an urgent recruitment drive - and the hairier the applicants, the better.

The would-be cadets should have wet and cold noses and be prepared to dole out some "wuff" justice.

And four legs are absolutely essential.

North Yorkshire Police's dog section urgently needs 100 per cent German shepherd dogs, or bitches, aged 12 to 24 months.

The animals must have the potential to become working police dogs, and officers are hoping the public will help by offering dogs for assessment.

Owners can be sure that the animals that are chosen will be well looked after - and will have an exciting and varied career, working in the public arena.

Experienced dog handler PC Andy Ruston said the dogs had to fit certain criteria.

"We need young dogs that are bold, friendly, outgoing, boisterous, inquisitive, ball-mad and extremely energetic," he said.

"What we don't want are dogs that are aggressive or nervous."

PC Ruston is willing to travel to see any dog that is offered and, if suitable, the dog will then be taken away for a three-week assessment.

"If it passes that test, we will keep the dog. If it doesn't, we return it to the owner," he said.

"I want to make it clear that we will not re-home the dog, we can only return it to where it came from."

For a successful dog, the rewards are substantial. They are allocated to the guardianship of one handler that the dog will live with, usually in a family environment, and they will quickly become part of a working team.

Throughout their patrolling life, they will be a force-wide resource working anywhere within North Yorkshire.

"The bond between a handler and the dog becomes very close, and for any dog that relishes being active, it offers a great life," said PC Ruston.

Anyone who has a dog to offer for assessment is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247.