Dyfed Powys Police has welcomed its newest recruits - two eight-week-old puppies. Dyfed Powys Police Authority agreed the purchase of the puppies from the Florence Louisa Trust Fund, a charitable fund of which it is a trustee. The two puppies, namely KO, a Belgian Shepherd (Malinois) dog, and KD, a Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)/German Shepherd cross bitch, will be looked after by puppy walkers for the first 12 months of their lives. The puppy walkers are volunteers from the community and it is the first time a force in Wales has undertaken such a scheme. Inspector Nigel Hayes said: "We are extremely grateful to both the police authority and our volunteers who are dedicating their time to help us raise our newest recruits. "During their first year the puppy walkers will help us socialise the dogs before returning them to us to for their formal training. "Every year the Dyfed Powys Police dog section helps save lives, recover drugs and arrest offenders. Thanks to the police authority and the volunteers, KO and KD will help us continue doing so." The force currently has 34 dogs, including three other Malinois - Koda, Kano and Kilo. The Florence Louisa Lewis Trust was established in 1982 following the death of Florence Louisa Lewis who bequeathed a legacy in her will to Dyfed Powys Police Authority "for the purchase of police dogs or towards the upkeep of police dogs". Since then, some of the money has been used for the purchase of wooden kennels. Ken Howell, of Dyfed Powys Police Authority, said: "This is an excellent scheme which the Police Authority, as trustees of the Florence Louisa Lewis Trust, are proud to be able to support. "Police dogs are invaluable to the police service and have been instrumental in the success of a range of operations within Dyfed Powys. "We wish our new recruits and the puppy walkers the very best and hope that KO and KD enjoy a long and successful career with the Dyfed Powys Police." Donations to the fund can be made by contacting the: Chief Executive, Dyfed Powys Police Authority, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, tel. 01267 226440 or e-mail: police.authority@dyfed- powys.pnn.police.uk • The Florence Louisa Lewis Trust for the purchase of Police Dogs charity is a registered charity within England and Wales. Charity no. 512679