A DOG with a nose for newts is helping Wessex Water sniff out protected species throughout the South West before pipes are put in the ground.

The utility company are the first in the UK to have an in-house great crested newt detection dog, owned and trained by ecologist Nikki Glover - who has been granted a Natural England license.

Nikki said: "The Wessex Water region is a stronghold for great crested newts and we come across them when we carry out construction works.

"To have a great crested newt detection dog within a utility company is a massive benefit because they can find the newts more efficiently and effectively, and it’s a non-invasive method."

On the lookout for the newts is three-year-old springer spaniel Freya - she has been trained to spot the nocturnal amphibians, with UK and European legislation making it an offence to damage or destroy their environment without a licence from Natural England.

Nicki has sought professional training from Louise Wilson, who has 15 years' experience within the detection dog industry, she was also the first person to train a newt protection dog.

Louise said of the training: "Nikki came to me over a year ago to progress Freya’s training and they have both been absolute stars.

"You can see how much Freya enjoys her work and the bond she has with Nikki is absolutely vital.