Sniffer dogs receive hero awards

Dogs who play an important part in keeping us safe have been rewarded for their efforts at a special ceremony.

Nash, Freddie and Lucy belong to a crack unit of Sussex Police sniffer dogs. They have been trained to detect any sign of explosives.

The dogs check venues and events across the county and helped protect delegates at this year's Labour Party Conference.

The dogs, who also work at Gatwick Airport, were given hero awards by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Tireless

A spokesman for the group said: "It is important to celebrate the work animals do for us.

"By giving these awards, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of police dogs and their handlers to keep us safe."