MERSEYSIDE Police hosted a passing out parade yesterday welcoming their three new police dogs and their handlers.

The parade followed a successful training course carried out by the force’s Dogs and Mounted section.

The section showed off their latest recruits’ new-found skills in a demonstration to visitors and presented the dogs and their proud handlers with well-earned certificates to certify that the dogs are now fit for police work.

Inspector Tony Byrne from the dogs and mounted section said: "This course has been a great success, with three dogs and their handlers passing and now ready to work on our streets.

“I would like to extend my thanks to members of the public and charities who have helped us recruit dogs now and in the past.”

“They are making such a difference to keeping our streets safe, and giving these dogs a new lease of life."

The dogs will carry out varied tasks ranging from drug and explosive searches, pursuing offenders and maintaining public order.

The parade took place at Mather Avenue police training centre, and was attended by Assistance Chief Constable Ian Critchley, the families and friends of the officers, previous owners of donated dogs, and representatives of animal charities.

Congratulating the dogs and their handlers, ACC Critchley said: "I wish all our new recruits well in their work, which is an absolutely vital part of our day-to-day policing.

“We insist on high standards for our police dogs and handlers so to pass is a great credit to their hard work and abilities.”

“The brilliant demonstration we have seen today showed that they are all going to be great assets to Merseyside Police."

Meet the Merseyside Police's newest members: 

Venus

He is a 15-month-old Malinois Belgian Shepherd, who arrived from GSD Rescue Home.

Venus was found as a stray dog in Manchester, and has been donated the force by Marcia Buckley-Jones from the rescue home.

Venus will be working with handler PC Marc Williams. 

Yannick

Yannick is a 12-month-old German Shepherd, Yannick is from Avon and Somerset Police, bred by police dog handler Alan Mallett.

He will be working with handler PC Derek James. 

Stanley

Stanley is a 16-month-old Malinois, Belgian Shepherd, Stanley is a gift dog kindly donated to us by Mr Jimmy Shaw from Prenton.

Stanley will be working with handler PC Steve Laughton.