A special team of military dogs have been put to the test in a series of training exercises in Edinburgh.

Members of 104 Military Working Dog Squadron are now turning their hand to UK homeland defence after serving in Afghanistan.

The versatile animals have been used by the British Army for more than a century, helping to search vehicles and buildings and providing protection.

To ensure they are ready to react to any incidents closer to home, the dogs have been conducting training with Lothian Buses.

The animals and specialist service dog handlers, who are ordinarily based in Rutland in the East Midlands, visited the Edinburgh depot to get used to the city environment.

They carried out tasks such as searching buses and sniffing out any unusual scents.

Major Robert Hart, Officer Commanding 104 Military Working Dog Squadron, said: "For dogs to work effectively they need to be well acclimatised to the weather, environment and have an understanding of their surroundings.

"The UK presents a somewhat different environment from the austere conditions and blistering heat of the Middle East and adapting the dogs to this new working environment in the UK is not without challenge.

"It is important that the dogs are able to work at any location, whether in office blocks or houses, out on busy streets, or inside vehicles, they must be prepared."

He said the regiment was grateful for the support of Lothian Buses, adding: "The training is invaluable for both the dogs and their handlers."