TRAINERS helping prepare dogs to save the lives of people with medical conditions are on the hunt for volunteers in Colchester.

Charity Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives using their amazing sense of smell.

But the pooches need homes while they undergo their training, with many being trained in Essex.

It includes Bio Detection Dogs which learn the odour of diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and malaria.

The charity also trains Medical Alert Assistance Dogs which work with individuals with complex health conditions such as Type 1 diabetes and severe allergies giving them a warning that a medical crisis is about to happen.

The charity is appealing people in north Essex to become volunteer socialisers to look after the young dogs while they are trained.

Ali Charnick, socialising trainer from Colchester, said: “I am lucky to have a great team of volunteers across Essex and Suffolk who put a lot of time and love into our dogs in training.

“They work hard to produce well rounded dogs that go on to do an amazing lifesaving job.

“But it would be lovely to hear from more people who might like join our team at Medical Detection Dogs.”

Claire Baker, volunteer manager, added: “The charity is proud to have a no kennel policy and it is important to us our dogs live in a loving home environment before being partnered with a client or work as a Bio Detection dog.

“Without the help of our wonderful volunteer puppy and dog socialisers and fosterers we wouldn’t be able to train our lifesaving dogs.

“You will need to be at home most of the day and be able to travel to the Colchester area for training classes.”

If you are interested contact Claire Baker on 01296 655888 or email volunteering@medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk.