Excited children had the opportunity to ride police horses as part of the week-long celebrations marking the 199th anniversary of the foundation of the Malta Police Force.

The force formally came into being on July 12, 1814, by virtue of a proclamation issued by Governor Sir Thomas Maitland a few days earlier.

Activities marking Police Week started on Saturday with an open day at the police headquarters in Floriana, where a number of vintage and new vehicles used by the police were on display.

Policemen mounted an exhibition of their pets and the animals they use in their work were blessed.

The Police Museum, the Crime Museum and the shelter located beneath the police headquarters were open for the public.

The precision drill team, the police band and the mounted police will take part in various activities around the islands. The band will march along Triq ix-Xatt, Marsacala and then present a musical programme in Pjazza Mifsud Bonnici.

There will be activities in Valletta on Thursday, in Buġibba on Saturday and in Marsalforn on Sunday.

Solemn Mass will be said at St John Co-Cathedral, Valletta, on Friday.

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