A team of 45 dogs and their handlers will deployed to sniff out explosive material at rail stations during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The ‘explosive search dogs’ of Labradors and Spaniels will spend their off-duty time being cared for by eight British Transport Police volunteers at their temporary “dog hotel” at Hackney Wick, close to the Games park.

It includes an air-conditioned isolation room should an animal become unwell.

A spokesman said the team will undertake continuous training during their stay “to ensure that their detection skills remain exceptional.”