A four-legged crimefighter that faced thugs on the frontline of the Bradford riots is bidding to become the region's top dog.

Tyson, a two-year-old German Shepherd, and his aptly-named owner PC Peter Barker, pictured, are set to take on the best of West Yorkshire Police's dogs and handlers at the force's trials at Harewood House next month.

PC Barker, who is based at Shipley Police Station, said that competing with his fellow officers in a series of crime-fighting tests would be far easier than facing gangs of rioting youths in Bradford city centre.

The officer, who has worked in the dog section for 11 years, said the dogs deserved praise for the role they played in containing the rioters.

He said: "It was a very frightening experience for all the officers involved. It was just mayhem. I defy anyone who was there facing so many people to say they weren't frightened by the situation.

"At one point we were charged by about 300 youths on Kirkgate and four dog handlers managed to hold them back. We then helped to push them back to Westgate.

"The dogs know it's for real when they get out of the van. They pick up the feeling from their handlers that they are in a frightening and intimidating situation and revert back to their natural instincts of showing aggression to the rioters. They know that their best means of defence is to go forward.

"In that situation one dog can do the work of 20 policemen. The dogs did a fantastic job in the riots working from 8am on Saturday morning to the early hours of Sunday morning - which is a long time for a dog to work. It just shows how well trained they are and what good condition they're in."

PC Barker said he was now looking forward to some light relief taking part in the Harewood House trials.

He said: "We took part in the trials last year where we won best young dog trophy and we drew with the national champion in the obedience and detaining criminals category. So this year we're one of the favourites and hoping to bring some trophies home.

"People don't often see this side of police dog work - they just tend to see us on the TV when there's riots going on, but we do demonstrations and visit schools and scout groups a lot.

"It's good to have kids meeting the dogs so they know they are there to help them as well as tackle the heavier stuff. There is a lot of stuff we do that people don't know about. There's hardly a month goes by without us looking for a lost child on Baildon Moor or somewhere like that."

PC Barker said choosing the right dog to work with was a painstaking process and he had seen 52 dogs before finding Tyson.

He added that he had heard every joke about being PC Barker of the dog squad!

He said: "We get to meet some right wags in this line of work and sometimes they can be quite witty, but I think I've heard every joke under the sun!

"Sometimes the kids have a giggle at the name if they're brave enough and then their teacher joins in. But I suppose it's all good fun!"

Any community groups that would be interested in having a police dog display can contact PC Barker on (01274) 537484.