Retired nine-year-old black labrador Treo, who has now returned back to his former unit at St George's Barracks, in Pennine Way, North Luffenham, received the Dickin Medal on Wednesday.

The heroic dog was presented with the medal for sniffing out bombs known as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) while working as a forward detection dog on two occasions in Sangin, Helmand Province, in March and September 2008. His detective work saved the lives of the soldiers he was patrolling with and innocent civilians.

Before Treo's deployment to the frontline, he and his handler Sgt Dave Heyhoe were based in Rutland with the 104 Military Working Dogs Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, which has its headquarters in Aldershot.

Owner Sgt Heyhoe, Major Chris Ham, officer commanding the canine division at the Defence Animal Centre and the unit's current second in command Capt Fieke Taft, are pleased with Treo's success.

Capt Taft said it is fantastic for the dog to be commended. She said: "It is his work out in Afghanistan which has got him recognised for this medal."

Major Ham added: "If he had not indicated that the improvised explosive devices were there, casualities would definitely have been sustained as a result. He is a life-saving dog."

Sgt Heyhoe, who has worked alongside Treo for five years, is proud of his canine friend, who is now enjoying life as his family pet.

Treo started his training with the Army at the age of one, and Sgt Heyhoe said he is a born worker.

He said it is his eagerness which makes him stand out from the crowd and added: "Treo is a feisty dog. All dogs are eager to work, but Treo is a typical labrador and just wants to work. The unit is really pleased with the recognition which he's achieved.

"However, Treo's acceptance of this award is also on behalf of all the military working dogs - especially those in Afghanistan at the moment along with their dog handlers.

"Now he is retired, he can relax. This medal is a great honour for him."

Major Ham added: "It is also an honour for the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, other units and the Army in general - for all the work military dogs carry out in Afghanistan."

Treo, who has also carried out duties in Northern Ireland, was presented with the medal by Princess Alexandra during a ceremony in London.

The award recipients are chosen by the veterinary charity People's Dispensary for Sick Animals and the charity's director general Jan McLoughlin said the medal is recognised throughout the world as the animals' Victoria Cross. She said: "It is the highest award any animal can receive for bravery in the line of duty. Treo is, without doubt, a worthy recipient."

Treo is the 63rd animal to receive the medal for wartime service. Previous recipients include 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, three horses, and a cat.

The charity's founder Maria Dickin introduced the award in 1943 to honour animals displaying conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units during the Second World War. It is the first time the medal has been awarded since 2007.

The Defence Animal Centre, in Melton Mowbray, is where all dogs train for the Ministry Of Defence. New dog recruits are always needed in the Army, according to Major Ham.

He said: "They are very much in demand in the UK and overseas."

Labradors, springer spaniels and retrievers aged one to three are among those needed. They are trained in specialised searches. German shepherds, of the same age are also wanted for guarding and security duties.

Major Ham said if they are accepted into the Army, they would complete a vigorous training programme.

He added: "Then they would be teamed with a dog handler and posted anywhere in world to work."

If you have a dog which you think would benefit from an active life in the services and would like to donate it, contact the Procurement Section at the Defence Animal Centre on 01664 418668 or visit www.yourcountryneedsyourdog.co.uk