Military working dog Treo has received the highest award any animal can receive for gallantry in the line of duty.

The PDSA Dickin Medal - recognised worldwide as the animal's Victoria Cross - was presented to the eight-year-old Labrador by The Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra.

Treo, an arms and explosive search dog, was joined by his handler, Sgt Dave Heyhoe, of New York, for the ceremony, held at London's Imperial War Museum.

The pair served together for five years, with Treo retiring last August.
In Afghanistan, he would support troops by sniffing out improvised explosive devices hidden on roadsides by the Taliban.

"Treo is a very special dog," said Sgt Heyhoe. "There's a reason why I call him 'my boy'; it's because I feel safe when he is by my side and I know he has saved my life many times over.
"During the six months we spent in Helmand Province the challenge was unrelenting, but Treo did not waver from his duties for a second. He's a true soldier friend."

PDSA chairman Michael Bolton said: "We are proud to honour Treo with the PDSA Dickin Medal, the animals' VC, for his gallantry in saving countless human lives.

"He continued with his duties irrespective of the dangers that faced him and in the process saved many, many lives."

Treo is the 63rd recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal, introduced by founder Maria Dickin in 1943.

The vast majority, 54, were awarded between 1943 and 1949. They were: 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, three horses, and one cat.