EXTRA special recruits are needed to help with sniffing out crime in the Glasgow area.

But trainees need four feet, furry coats and a strong sense of smell.

It also helps if they are young German Shepherd, Labrador or Springer Spaniels.

Strathclyde Police has launched a recruitment drive for its dog squad.

Once trained, the four-legged recruits will become the new generation trained for specialist work in drugs and explosives detection, and weapons recovery.

The dogs will undergo tests to see if they have an aptitude for police work. Standards are high with, on average, only one in 15 accepted.

Inspector Alan Davies said: "Being a police dog is a great life for a pet which has outgrown its home environment or has become too much to handle."

If unsuccessful, dogs can either be returned to their owners or found a home elsewhere.

Call 0141 531 5810/5812 or visit www.strathclyde.police.uk Picture: Steve Welsh