A LITTER of adorable puppies have started a journey to become fully qualified police dogs.

Seven German Shepherds aged between ten and 17 weeks, a 14-month-old cocker spaniel a four-month-old labrador and a six-month-old spaniel/labrador cross have all joined Northumbria Police’s dog section in the hope of becoming the next crime-busting pooch.

Hand picked because of the traits needed to be a police dog, they will now be homed with a dog handler to guide them through their training.

Over the next few months they will be put through a series of drills that will prime them for a career of tackling criminals and reducing crime across the North East.

Between 1pm and 3pm on Monday, September 4, a selection of the pups will be joined by their handlers at Eldon Square in Newcastle

Sergeant Julie Neve, said: “It is really important for the puppies to get used to big crowds at an early age.”