A nine-month-old sprocker spaniel is the latest puppy preparing to get her paws dirty as an explosives detection dog in Norfolk and Suffolk. 

The "lively and very highly driven dog" is in training and will work primarily for Royalty Protection. She will also be deployed nationwide to potential terror threats.

The Puppy Programme for Norfolk and Suffolk Police is four years old and currently has 15 dogs in the scheme - ranging from 12 weeks old to 14 months old.

Eastern Daily Press: Daisy, a 9-month-old sprocker spanielDaisy, a 9-month-old sprocker spaniel (Image: James Wells)

PC James Wells is the Puppy Program manager and is responsible for the development of the dogs from eight weeks old until they make the grade for the course. 

He said: "She is already searching large buildings and has good recall and obedience.

"She will do absolutely anything just to get her tennis ball.

"She is looking to license in July."

 

Eastern Daily Press: Daisy has been with the unit since she was 8 weeks old and is currently living with a serving police officer in NorfolkDaisy has been with the unit since she was 8 weeks old and is currently living with a serving police officer in Norfolk (Image: James Wells)

Daisy has been with the unit since she was eight weeks old and is currently living with a serving police officer in Norfolk, attending training several days a month.

She has a sister Charley and a brother Mitch, who are also in training at the moment.

READ MORE: Meet police dog puppy Dakota who is training to fight crime

Eastern Daily Press: Daisy has been with the unit since she was 8 weeks old and is currently living with a serving police officer in NorfolkDaisy has been with the unit since she was 8 weeks old and is currently living with a serving police officer in Norfolk (Image: James Wells)

PC Wells has worked as a police officer for 27 years and as a dog handler for 17 of those years.  

He began as a trainer six years ago and runs the Puppy Programme on the side of being an officer. 

Eastern Daily Press: DaisyDaisy (Image: James Wells)

The puppies are fostered for a year, mostly by police officers, but also by members of the public, before they start working and move to kennels.  

The unit has 20 or more of these walkers and volunteers. 

Every few weeks, the puppies train with the big dogs and the unit holds puppy days where they are all in one place. 

Not all the puppies will be cut out for the force and those are rehomed in domestic settings.