ESSEX Police has released a video of the training of its latest recruits - three German Shepherd dogs.

And they have also highlighted the achievements in a veteran member of the team who recently helped find a drugs haul in Orsett.

Cooper, Quando and Obi have completed an intensive 13-week training course to learn new skills ahead of next week's passing out parade which will see them qualify as licensed police dogs.

The German Shepherd trio who are just over a year old, are trained to deal with whatever comes their way, using realistic situations and props alongside approved training methods to get the very best performance out of each of them.

Each one is lovingly looked after by their handler, and they're regarded as part of the family.

Cooper can't wait to get to work each day and get started on learning new things, Quando is full of energy and drive to succeed, and Obi is very vocal, responding to all the new sights and sounds each day.

The force says: "Watch as they train, showing their agility, strength and speed - everything they need to catch criminals."

The trio will be following in the pawsteps of veteran Police Dog Kaiser found recently drugs and cash after a driver failed to stop following a collision on Brentwood Road in Orsett.

PD Kaiser and his haul

A force statement says: "We were called shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday 23 April following reports of a collision involving a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Dynamic.

"It was reported that following the collision the driver of the golf ran off. PD Kaiser tracked the suspect through nearby fields. He found three bags hidden under a tree in a nearby bush which contained suspected cannabis and £300 in cash.

"The items have been recovered for forensic investigation. Well done PD Kaiser!"