A group of Labrador pups rescued after being dumped next to the A249 are now set for a career with the prison service.

The fox red pups were nursed back to health after being found abandoned in a crate between Sittingbourne and Sheppey earlier this month.

Underweight and suffering from mange, six of the puppies made a full recovery but sadly one - called Achilles - was found to be suffering from a mystery illness and later died.

Today Swale Borough Council's Stray Dog Service were able to announce happier news for Achilles' five brothers and sisters, posting on Facebook: "This may be the cutest picture we've posted all year, don't the pups look fantastic?

"They've just come back from their second vaccinations and are bright eyed and bushy tailed, a far cry from when we picked them up just a few weeks ago.

"Now they're almost back to full health, we're finally able to share what their futures hold. In a few weeks time, we'll be saying a very teary goodbye as the pups move to foster homes, taking the first step in their careers as sniffer dogs for the prison service.

"We know that by making this choice we open ourselves up to negativity, as it isn't what everyone deems to be a happy ending, but we're overjoyed for our babies.

"They'll live their first year with foster families, getting to be puppies and mature a bit before starting their training. Any pups who don't make the cut will be rehomed privately so really, everyone wins.

"Just think, they've gone from being discarded like rubbish to having a future fighting crime, what an amazing turnaround.

"Kelly and Billy have done a phenomenal job caring for the pups and we couldn't be more grateful.

"As always, thank you for your support."