YOUNGSTERS at a Valleys primary school got a taste of life in the force when Gwent Police’s dog unit paid them a visit last Friday.

PCs Rosie Rabbitt and Brian Thorne led an assembly at Cefn Fforest Primary School before putting the dogs to the test to help locate ‘Burglar Bill’ in the school grounds.

It didn’t take long before general- purpose dog Benny and his handler, Marc Porter, tracked him down, much to the delight of the pupils.

Police dog Roy detained a ‘runaway teacher’, while springer spaniel Holly detected a hidden package. The day ended with an agility display.

Sgt Maria Henry, who is in charge of the dog section, said the visits always go down well.

She said: “We tend to do a week once a year, otherwise it’s hard work because these are operational officers. But it’s good to get out and about.”