POLICE dogs are to benefit from warm, dry and modern kennels thanks to the personal intervention of the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire.

Dog lover Della Cannings has persuaded the Police Authority to release thousands of pounds to replace ageing lean-to wooden buildings now in use.

The money will be used to create a new home and exercise area for up to 20 dogs at Solberge, near the force's Newby Wiske headquarters.

York Police dog handler Sergeant Mick Chapman welcomed the news. He said: "There's no doubt that the money needs to be spent."

One North Yorkshire Police dog has already benefited from the personal touch of the Chief Constable, who lists spending time with her own springer spaniel, Scrumpy, as among her favourite pursuits.

A spaniel named Joe became a common sight at police meetings, offices and even in Ms Cannings' car when she temporarily took him under her wing while his handler was on long-term sick leave.

All police dogs will soon benefit from the building which will be used for housing new animals, training purposes and as a temporary home when handlers go away.

Kennel manager Mick Gill said the Chief Constable had been a "driving force" in pushing through the modernisation since a routine visit late last year.

He said: "They are working dogs but they get the very best standards of care, the best veterinary treatment and the best food. So now they will have the best kennels."

Jeremy Holderness, of North Yorkshire Police Authority, said the amount of money set aside for the kennels was "commercially sensitive" as businesses were being invited to tender for the work.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said each trained police dog was a resource worth between £5,000 and £6,000 so it made sense to ensure they were properly looked after.

The force has up to 35 dogs at any one time including collies, labradors and German shepherds. These are trained for duties such as drugs, weapons and explosives searches, as well as general crowd control.

Police dogs are in active service for up to seven years. During that time they are often kept in kennels at their handler's home, but central kennels are also available for holidays and training.

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, October 07, 2003