A charity that trains dogs to help search for missing people is calling for more volunteers.

The Kent branch of the National Search and Rescue Dog Association is asking for owners to come forward to help search for vulnerable people.

Border collies, labradors, German shepherds and spaniels are particularly efficient and search dogs are often used to help Kent Police and Kent Search and Rescue.

Chairman James Dunn said: “Having a search dog is very rewarding. You train your dog to do something they enjoy, and when you get called out, you are part of an effort to bring someone back home to their love ones.

“You work together with the other volunteers, whether they are searching with or without dogs.

“It gives a great sense of purpose and being able to share this with your much loved pet is the icing on the cake.”

“We do not mind what a dog looks like or whether they have a pedigree, as long as they are happy to do the job, which dogs usually see as a giant hide and seek game.”

Volunteers must be able to commit to several training sessions every month and be able to travel across Kent.

You can join with or without a dog, but the charity is particularly keen to hear from dog owners who would like to give their pet a chance to be a hero.

The dog and their owners are trained as a team so both must be reasonably fit to join.

Representatives from the charity will be at the Sevenoaks Pets at Home branch, in Otford Road, from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, March 28 to provide more guidance.

For more information, visit www.nsardakent.org.uk or call 01233 800165.