A courageous police dog who sniffed out firearms, cash and millions of pounds worth of drugs over a ten year career has been awarded an animal OBE.
But springer spaniel Jake died last month, meaning his "girlfriend" - a police dog named Gwen - will have to collect the PDSA Order of Merit, on his behalf.
Awarded only twice in history, the Order of Merit is given to animals which "merited recognition for exceptional acts of devotion and represents outstanding examples of the special relationship that exists between animals and humans".
Jake, who was 13 when he died, was Warwickshire Police's longest serving dog when he retired in August.
Handler PC Andy Crouch said the whole family had been "devastated" by Jake's death and the award would "take pride of place".
Jake was teamed up with PC Crouch soon after the dog joined the Warwickshire force aged 18 months.
"Even after his retirement, he loved playing and we would often set up finds for him to seek out, to keep him stimulated," PC Crouch said.
"Jake would have carried on working, given half the chance, but it was important for him to take some time out. He was a joy to work with and I doubt that many handlers will find a dog so willing to work and to please."
During a 10-year career, he made more than 500 finds, including assault rifles, hand guns and ammunition, as well as drugs with an estimated street value of £4.5m.
He also served with West Mercia Police and was brought in to support nine other forces, including policing events such as the London Olympics, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Glastonbury Festival.
The PDSA said at one music festival Jake found cannabis worth more than £2,000 concealed on a tour bus, resulting in the delay of a major act.
The first time the award was handed out by the PDSA was to Metropolitan Police dogs and horses that served during the London riots of 2011.