Ukraine-bound dog team ups training

A DOG search team which specialises in recovering human bodies is stepping up its training ahead of an expected deployment to Ukraine.

Springer spaniel Bracken, sprocker Bramble and Dougal, a

Labrador-springer spaniel mix, are travelling to Italy today to hone their skills while on standby for a trip to the war zone.

Handlers John Miskelly, a British Army veteran, and NHS nurse Emma Dryburgh, right, have received a request to help in Ukraine but are waiting to receive confirmation that it is safe enough for them to travel as part of Response Rescue International Scotland to assist the work of the European Association of Civil Protection Volunteer Teams (Evolsar).

Mr Miskelly, of Falkland, Fife, said they will offer “fresh handlers with fresh dogs” to help the “weary” Ukrainian search teams, who have lost loved ones.