Rescue dog Bouncer has been trained by Northumberland Police to identify people who may be carrying drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines.

His skills have been put to use at Newcastle Airport, North Shields ferry terminal and night-club queues.

Inspector Terry Davison, of Northumbria Police's dog section, said: "Bouncer really is proof that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

Reasonable suspicion

"He goes to show that most dogs, whether they have a pedigree or not, have a capability that can be put to good use.

"This is the first time we have stepped into the field of passive indicating dogs and it is a new tool we can use to address the problem of drugs."

Bouncer works by scanning the air around an individual and indicates that they are carrying controlled drugs by sitting down in front of them.

It gives police officers the reasonable suspicion they need to search them.

Bouncer was originally taken in as a stray by Benton Cat and Dog Shelter after he was discovered roaming the streets of Morpeth.

When he was spotted as a potential recruit, Northumbria Police took him from the shelter and made a £75 donation.