Clever dogs from Milton Keynes are being trained to sniff out whether someone has coronavirus

Norman, Digby, Storm, Star, Jasper and Asher are part of the team owned by Milton Keynes-based charity Medical Detection Dogs.

They have all been assessed as perfect for a project to train dogs to detect the virus - and their noses could pick up its scent in as little as six weeks.

Experts from Medical Detection Dogs will intensively train them to help provide a rapid, non-invasive diagnosis towards the tail end of the epidemic.

They are working in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Durham University.

The collaborators have been speaking to government at the highest level and in the meantime launched a crowdfunder to start raising funds for the preliminary stages.

If successful, the dogs could also be able to detect subtle changes in temperature of the skin.

Once trained, the super six could lead the way for dogs to be used to identify travellers entering the country infected with the virus or be deployed in other public spaces.

The potential recruits could not be more different in terms of background and character, with half of them being rescue dogs, but they could all be life-savers.

Norman, aged two, is working Cocker Spaniel who was rescued from Wood Green animal sanctuary.

His temperament is described as "the perfect mix of laid back and motivated."

He takes his job very seriously, but at home is affectionate, full of life, the perfect companion, says the charity.

Digby, 20 months, is a Labradoodle, who is a confident, sociable and curious gentle giant.

He is a methodical, determined, thinker, but at home is laid back and friendly. He loves a nap.

Storm, who is three is Labrador and Golden Retriever cross and is excitable and enthusiastic.

He is focused and loves to use his nose, and at home is sweet, soft and eager to please

Star, aged two, is the only female of the bunch, She is a Labrador who is happy, enthusiastic, keen to work and full of energy.

She loves play time with her favourite toys and also a nice long walk and a cuddle

Jasper, who is a year old, came from a rescue charity. He is a working Cocker Spaniel who is keen to learn. Fast but methodical, he loves to be busy and is a fan of long walks and adventures - followed by cuddles.

Finally Asher, aged five, had a tough start in life and was rehomed several times due to his high drive and sensitive nature.

But he now lives with the CEO of Medical Detection Dogs, Claire Guest. she describes him as eccentric but very focused. Usually found playing in the field or snuggled up on the sofa, he

Likes using his nose, playing and howling to be let through doors.

Dr Guest said: “Our aim is that some of these amazing six dogs will be able to passively screen any individual, including those with no symptoms, and tell our dog handlers whether they have detected the virus. This will then need to be confirmed by a medical test.

“We will train them in the same way we train our other Bio Detection Dogs, in our training room, and then transfer them to detecting on individuals in a similar way to our Medical Alert Assistance Dogs.

“The samples that the dogs will be trained on at the centre will be deactivated (dead) virus and therefore of no risk to the dogs or handlers. When sniffing people the dogs will not need to make contact but will sniff the air around a person. The dogs will therefore not be in direct contact with the people screened to prevent the risk of spreading the virus.”

Medical Detection Dogs, LSHTM and Durham University have launched a crowdfunder to help raise funds for this proposal.

You can donate here