AN ANIMAL charity started with the help of cash from the Emergency Services Show will be taking part in this year’s event at Hullavington Airfield.

WAGs Retired Police Dogs Trust was set up last year to help meet the cost of vets bills for former Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire force dogs and the grant of £500 from the show was one of several that helped to get it off the ground.

Police dogs are already one of the most popular features of the show and this time the retired dog s will be there to meet the public as well as join in displays.

Handler Marie Poole explained: “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.”

She added: “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.”

The show, which is on September 7, is organised by a committee of volunteers from the emergency services in Wiltshire and has raised thousands for charity.

Among the highlights are blue light rides in fire engines and police cars, crash recovery demonstrations, a police dog competition and displays of vintage and modern emergency vehicles .

The gates open at 10am and tickets are available online at emergencyservicesshow.com or on the door.