WATCH: New West Midlands Police puppies named after Friends characters

West Midlands Police has commemorated the 25th anniversary of Friends by naming their latest puppies after the sitcom's characters.

The TV phenomenon first hit the screens in 1994 - the same year the force's dog section began its puppy development programme.

Officers were keen to commemorate the quarter century milestone, so when a litter of six German Shepherd puppies – three girls and three boys – were born in November, they named them after the Friends characters Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica, Rachel and Phoebe.

WATCH: West Midlands Police's new police puppies named after Friends characters

Dave Raymond, head of the puppy development programme for West Midlands Police, said: "The dog section is a proud part of West Midlands Police history and an integral part of operational policing.

“Historically, police dogs had always been recruited into service by means of public donation, by sale or gift.

“In 1994 we took the decision to initiate a breeding programme. This has continued to flourish and today the force operates the largest, most successful Police Dog Puppy Development Programme in the UK.

“It adheres to KC guidelines and we have achieved Assured Breeder Accreditation by the Kennel Club in recognition of our commitment to dog welfare."

The puppies are now living with their approved volunteer puppy fosterers.

The Friends litter will begin their journey through the force's Puppy Development Programme alongside volunteer puppy fosterers.