Pippa the sniffer dog will showcase her skills at a series of roadshows in Bucks next week to highlight the dangers of the counterfeit tobacco trade.

Bucks County Council’s (BCC) trading standards and public health teams will be on hand in Wycombe and Aylesbury to discuss the damaging impact of illicit tobacco in communities, and how people can help stub out the trade.

And Pippa – who works with trading standards officers when they search for illegal tobacco – will join the team to help spread the message.

Counterfeit cigarettes may contain illegal ingredients, rarely carry health warnings, have no duty tax paid on them and BCC warns young people can easily become addicted to them as they are sold at “pocket money” prices.

BCC’s cabinet member for community engagement and public health, Noel Brown, said: “People don't realise the harm caused by counterfeit tobacco.

“Not only can it contain harmful substances through slipshod manufacturing, but it's very cheap and by its illegal nature is usually sold 'under the counter', which means that the laws preventing children from obtaining tobacco often aren't followed.

"We can all play a vital role in stopping the sale of illicit tobacco in our local community, so I'd really encourage people to come along to one of the roadshows and find out how to spot the signs of this illegal activity."

The roadshows will take place from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, October 24 at Aylesbury market in Market Square, and on Friday, October 26 at High Wycombe market, in the High Street.

Advisers from BCC’s Live Well Stay Well team will also be on hand to discuss ways to quit smoking with residents.

Anyone with any information on illegal tobacco can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, Bucks and Surrey trading standards on 0300 123 2329 or email trading.standards@bucksandsurreytradingstandards.gov.uk.