PUBLIC Service students at Bridgwater & Taunton College will get to witness police dog training first hand thanks to a new collaboration.

Avon and Somerset Police's 'Tri-Fore Collaboration Dog Training Team is constantly in need of suitable training locations for specialist dogs and their handlers.

The college has agreed to help out, and it gives the Public Services students a valuable opportunity to observe police procedures at close hand.

The dogs and their handlers will be in college on various days and at various locations during the spring, searching for contraband items – which could include weapons or drugs - that have been ‘planted’ by the handlers prior to the dogs’ arrival.

Students will also have talks about the dogs and how they are used, and all students and staff will be encouraged to say hello to the dogs and their handlers.

Mark Nettle, director of student services for Bridgwater and Taunton College, said: "We are delighted that the Tri-Force Dog Training Team is able to develop its skills and capability on college premises, while our students can learn about dog handling and deployment in the police force. We look forward to welcoming the team into college."