Dog of war Treo sniffs out animal Victoria Cross

But the nine-year-old has seen more conflict than most people will in a lifetime and is now the holder of the animal equivalent of a Victoria Cross for sniffing out bombs in Afghanistan.

The Dickin Medal, the highest accolade a military animal can expect, was presented to Treo and his handler Sergeant Dave Heyhoe today in a ceremony organised by the PDSA at the Imperial War Museum.

Treo, who saw frontline action patrolling with soldiers in Afghanistan in 2008, is now retired. He and Sgt Heyhoe have returned to their former base 104 Military Working Dogs Support Unit, in North Luffenham, Rutland.

Sgt Heyhoe said: "Treo and I have been working together for the last five years.

"We started our time together in Northern Ireland, then moved to North Luffenham, where we then went out to Afghanistan in 2008."

While there, Treo saved at least two patrols from bombs with Sgt Heyhoe in Sangin, Helmand Province.

"Treo's work involves searching for arms and explosives out on the ground to the forefront of the troops," Sgt Heyhoe said.

"What we're trying to do is make sure there are no death-dealing agents out there to make sure there is no harm to the troops behind us."