A charity to help police dogs, founded using funding from the Emergency Services Show, will be taking part in this year’s event at Hullavington airfield on Sunday, September 7.

The WAGs Retired Police Dogs Trust was established in 2013, in part thanks to a £500 donation from the show.

Wiltshire Police dog handler Marie Poole is now busy planning a number of displays for this year’s event, using both working and retired animals.

The 2014 Emergency Services Show is being held on Sunday 7 September at Hullavington airfield, off J17 of the M4.

Advance tickets are available to buy up until August 31 at www.emergencyservicesshow.com or entry can be paid on the day - £6 adults and £3 children under 16. There is no charge for children under three.

A wide range of attractions will be available between 10am and 4pm, including air ambulances, emergency vehicle rides, the chance to meet personnel from all three ‘blue light’ services, driving challenges and much more!

The police dogs are always very popular with visitors, and can been seen ‘up close’ when not doing demonstrations.

Alongside those from Wiltshire Police will be animals supported by WAGs, which is a not for profit, independent organisation set up to help retired police dogs from Wiltshire, Avon & Somerset and Gloucestershire Police.

Marie said: “These dogs spend their working lives detecting crimes and helping with searches, often for the most vulnerable people in our society.

"They can be involved in dangerous situations and may be injured whilst protecting the public and police officers, and when detaining offenders.

“WAGs is not there to assist with everyday expenses such as food and annual boosters, but it provides assistance in emergency situations where a large vet’s bill may mean a decision is made about the dog’s future based on cost.

"Sometimes the dogs are not suitable for rehoming and, as they have often spent most of their life with the handler, it is a natural progression for them to retire to the handler’s home.”

To find out more, or make a donation, visit the WAGs website www.wagsretiredpolicedogs.org or ‘like’ the WAGs Facebook page.