DOZENS of new recruits who flocked to join Weymouth CID have been paid in lollipops and wine gums.

The young detectives were some of the many children and adults who enjoyed an open day at the new Western Division headquarters near the Wessex Stadium.

Youngsters had to keep their eyes open all round the impressive new building's many facilities on the look-out for more than 20 stickers which they had to record for the detective certificate.

Elsewhere, a series of tours took visitors round the main building, from the child protection unit to CID and various training areas. Many of the tours were taken by members of the Special Constabulary, who not only explained what each different section and floor of the building was for but something of the role they themselves played in support of regular officers.

Outside visitors could take a look round the dog section where Sgt David Wilkie and his four-legged partner Oscar were popular figures.

Oscar showed just what he could do and some lucky children were even allowed to put his lead on and take him for a walk.

Inside their area a special video was shown illustrating the work of police dogs, from protection and detention to finding objects.

People had a chance to see how different things were found at a Scenes of Crime section, detailing the discovery of everything from fingerprints and footprints to blood, while static display vehicles illustrated the work of the police.

And there was also a patrol car on display for children to get behind the wheel with officers on hand to answer any questions at the end of an open day which is hoped to be repeated each year.