THREE dogs have become the latest recruits in the fight against crime in Teesside.

Milo, Gunnar and Dex were recruited by Cleveland Police following a public appeal for young English springers and cocker spaniels.

The canine pals are undergoing training which will teach them how to identify the main substances that police search for.

They are also trained in searching for cash and weapons.

Milo, a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel who was donated by a member of the public from the Black Hall area of Durham, is now paired with PC Mark Baines, who has been working with the unit since January 2010.

Gunnar is a 19-month-old Springer Spaniel and was donated from the Oakenshaw area of Durham. His handler is Sergeant Al Turley who has been with the unit for ten years.

Dex was bought from a breeder. He is a 19-month-old Springer Spaniel and will now pound the streets with PC Liam Sewell, who has been working with the unit for one year.

Inspector Bev Gill, Head of the Operational Support Unit, said: “We are delighted that our appeal has resulted in us being able to train three new dogs.

"Drugs blight the lives of many communities and we are looking forward to being able to use the dogs on operational duties in the fight against illegal substances. Our new recruits will be a vital tool within the unit.”