A working dog that saved soldiers' lives in Afghanistan by detecting roadside bombs and even an underground militant hideout was on Thursday awarded a posthumous medal known as the 'animal Victoria Cross'.

Theo, a springer spaniel, died in March 2011 of a seizure hours after his handler, Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, was killed by enemy fire.

Tasker's relatives attended a ceremony Thursday at London's Wellington Barracks for the presentation of the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded to animals by the veterinary charity for "conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict".

Tasker's mother, Jane Duffy, described Theo as her son's "best mate" and said they were together "24/7" in Afghanistan.

She went on: "Liam got his mention in dispatches, so it's lovely that Theo is getting his PDSA Dickin Medal and he's being recognised for his bravery as well.

"They'll be watching us and they'll be so proud. I just wish they were here to get it themselves. Theo and Liam saved so many lives out there."

To read the complete article, see:Hero dog wins 'animal Victoria Cross'(www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jfXML7shyv
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To read the complete article, see:Recipients of the PDSA's Dickin Medal, the animal version of the Victoria Cross(www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/
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-version-of-the-Victoria-Cross.html)