Flintshire-based sniffer dogs nominated for award

A company's team of sniffer dogs are up for an award for their success in detecting hidden illegal immigrants and explosives.

Wagtail UK, of Holywell, Flintshire, is shortlisted for a Home Office Supplier Value for Money award.

The 20 dogs and handlers work in ports such as Dover and Calais, to uncover illegal immigrants hiding in lorries.

"Dogs remain the most reliable method of detecting a scent," said managing director Collin Singer.

One dog, Lola, a German pointer abandoned as a puppy, made headlines last September when she alerted British and French police to the presence of 18 illegal immigrants hiding in a tanker of flour extract bound for Wrexham.

The team are also brought in before major sporting and royal events to check for hidden explosives.

The firm, whose staff are mainly recruited from a military background with experience gained in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans and Northern Ireland, will learn next month if it has won the award.

Meanwhile Mr Singer, from St Asaph, Denbighshire, is busy investigating new ways in which his dogs can help people all over the world.