CUTE canines are the latest four-legged recruits of the Ministry of Defence.

Now eight weeks old, the recently arrived litter of 12 puppies are leaving their birthplace, HM Naval Base Devonport.

The small police puppies will be handed over to their trainers for operational duties nationwide protecting MoD buildings, personnel and other assets.

The 12 Belgium Shepherd puppies, born on July 10, are the first MoD police force dog recruits to be born to the police unit, with one puppy named after the Leander Class ship, Scylla.

Their protective mother Willow has produced only the second such litter for the MoD police service as part of a new programme to breed its own dogs for the future, making the best of public money and ensuring genetic quality.

Previously, the police bought in German Shepherds as new recruits, but they have increasingly become susceptible to health problems which shortened their working life.

It was decided the best way forward, both to guarantee good quality healthy dogs and provide value for taxpayer's money, was to remain inhouse and switch breed to Belgium Shepherds of the Malinois variety.