A NORTH Kent police officer and his dog have made it through to the national dog trials which will take place later this month.

PC Adrian Kollnberger and police dog Monte came runner up in the south east dog trials which tested the skills of the top police dogs in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

The three-day event, which took place last last month tested a range of police dog skills including searching, obediance, crowd control and dealing with armed criminals.

PC Kollnberger and Monte will now compete in the national police dog trials which will be held in Surrey on April 23-26.

PC Kollnberger was presented with his trophy by Ann Barnes, chairman of the Kent Police Authority.

He said: "This was my first regional trials and I performed beyond my expectations.

"It was a tough event. The standard was really high and I'm really pleased with Monte who I've had since he was eight weeks old - we've a great relationship and he is like one of the family.

"I learnt a lot from this competition and I hope to use this knowledge at the nationals."

Ms Barnes said: "Kent Police has some of the best police dogs in the country.

"They really do play a vital part in helping to keep Kent and Medway safe.

"This competition demonstrates the skills they use out on the streets and it is often the unseen work that provides vital support to operational policing."