A FIRE service sniffer dog currently being trained in Worcestershire to help locate trapped people in disaster situations is to receive Government funding for her new role.

Jess, a chocolate labrador, will become a highly-valued member of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's urban search and rescue (USAR) team when she graduates this summer after two years' training, following in the heroic paw prints of dogs that helped out in the Pakistan earthquake and the Boscastle floods in Cornwall.

Rescue dog Jess is currently receiving specialist training to develop acute sniffing skills before being ready for service, and has already been kitted out with protective boots and jackets. The importance of her role has now been recognised as part of a new round of central Government funding.

Hereford and Worcester's USAR team's role includes lifting, cut and remove rubble from collapsed structures, and Jess will be called upon to located trapped or injured people in any disaster situation.

Martin Blunden of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are delighted we are one of the fire and rescue services to receive funding for a USAR dog. It will help us to extend our rescue capability even further.

"The fire and rescue service's role is continuing to develop, as is our ability to carry out urban search and rescue in the community if needed."