An Avon and Somerset police dog has been crowned the best in the region in recent dog trials.

Police Dog (PD) Ash, assisted by his handler Police Sergeant Nick Dalrymple won the South West and Wales Police Dog Trials which were hosted this year by Avon and Somerset Police.

Five-year-old Ash is a German Shepherd typically spends his days tracking offenders, attending public order incidents and helping to locate vulnerable missing people.

Police dogs and their handlers were required to navigate a number of challenges during the three-day event, including tracking people and property; chase and stand-off; emergency recall and use of force when faced with a weapon attack.

Their performances were assessed by judges from the Surrey, Essex and Metropolitan police forces.

While PD Ash emerged as the top points scorer overall, five of the twelve competing teams from across the region gained the requisite marks to send them through to the National Police Dog Trials, to be held in Cirencester in May.

Chief Dog Instructor Denis McCoy said: “It was a privilege for Avon and Somerset Police to host this year’s regional trials, which have showcased the extremely high levels of commitment and dedication from police dogs and their handlers from across the south west and Wales.

“I’m exceptionally proud of the performances by the Avon and Somerset teams and congratulate those going forward to represent us at the National Police Dog Trials this summer.”

The 60th National Police Dog Trials are set to take place at Cirencester Park from May 11 to 14, and will see police dogs and their handlers from across the United Kingdom compete in a series of trials including agility, searching and obedience.

The event will be open to members of the public on Saturday, May 14 .

There will be a small donation of £5 per car to attend, which will be donated to the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund and National Foundation for Retired Service Animals. Local residents who arrive on foot will not be required to make a donation.