A working relationship between police and an Eastern Bay of Plenty school spanning 30 years will be celebrated with a special police dog display today.

It was in 1983 when Whakatane Intermediate teacher Shona Oswald approached Sergeant Paul Selby, who heads the Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty Police Dog Section, hoping the school could work together with police.

Sergeant Paul Selby, supervisor of the Tauranga Police dog team.

It was decided the school would present an annual shield, designed by a local carver, to the most commendable dog and handler in the district each calendar year.

Since then, police dogs and handlers give a display for students and staff at the school before the award is presented. On alternate years the award is presented at a school assembly.

'It's a very special award for us as it is judged by people in our community who we work to keep safe,” says Paul.

'It has fostered some great goodwill over the years and provided some good interaction that has helped to break down barriers between the police and youth in the area.”

Today marks 30 years since the award was first presented and to mark the occasion a large police dog and handler display is being performed at Whakatane Intermediate with other schools in the area invited to attend.

The invitation has also been extended to past recipients of the award, including first ever winner, Bruce Howat.

A number of those recipients have confirmed their attendance and Police Minister Anne Tolley, Whakatane's local MP, will attend. Paul says this year's event is a chance for police to acknowledge Whakatane Intermediate and the wider school community for the support they have given police during the last 30 years.

'A lot of thought has gone into the event and we have one or two surprise components to the display that I'm sure the audience will enjoy.”

The recipient of this year's award is a closely guarded secret and will be announced today.