Three new young recruits have joined the force at just eight weeks old.

Oscar, Archie and Duke are Elcourtbay Springer Spaniels and will begin training in January next year as potential drug dogs.

The puppies were bred by Gary Crook, a reputable breeder from Blisworth and were born on January 10.

They are now living with puppy walkers who will look after them until they reach the stage where their training can begin in January next year.

Dog Section Sergeant Mark Anley, said: “Although the puppies look cute now, in a year's time they will have started their training and will become an essential tool for us when looking for illegal substances.

“In the meantime they will spend their time with volunteers who will walk them and give them some basic training and socialise them ready for their official training.”

The force currently has 18 dogs that provide a mixture of duties, including searching for drugs as well as people and explosives.

Oscar, Archie and Duke will be replacing three dogs that are set to retire this year.

Dog Trainer PC Paul Atkinson is pictured with the three puppies below.