Police have been overwhelmed by offers of tennis balls after officers launched an appeal to reward police dogs at Gatwick Airport.

Officers had encouraged people to “make a dog’s day” by donating unwanted tennis balls to the force to treat their four-legged colleagues during training.

Days after the appeal, Gatwick Police said they had been so overwhelmed by donations that they are unable to take them all.

A police spokesman said: “We are completely overwhelmed with all your support regarding the need for tennis balls for training our police dogs.

“We have had so many lovely offers and sadly can’t take them all.”

The Argus: Tennis balls are used in training for police dogs at Gatwick AirportTennis balls are used in training for police dogs at Gatwick Airport (Image: Gatwick Police)

Officers said they will be in contact with some of those offering donations to arrange collection.

Among those offering to donate spare tennis balls was Chief Constable of Sussex Police Jo Shiner, with Gatwick Police saying they “look forward to receiving them”.

Police dogs at Gatwick Airport have been used for vehicle stops and searches for explosives, with the police and airport’s Twitter accounts often sharing pictures of their canine companions while on duty.

More than 2,500 police dogs are employed among the various police forces across the country.