Two Sussex Police sniffer dogs were honoured yesterday for protecting delegates at the Labour Party conference in Brighton.

The Springer spaniels were presented with animal hero rosettes by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears was told how Police Dogs Nash and Freddie are part of a crack unit of Sussex Police sniffer dogs trained to detect explosives.

They spend every year checking venues and events across the county at which Government officials and other VIPs are expected, as well as maintaining a daily presence at Gatwick in West Sussex.

A third Sussex Police spaniel Lucy, unable to attend the ceremony, will receive her rosette at a later date.

The awards ceremony was held at the De Vere Grand Hotel, inside the secure Island Site around the Brighton Centre where the conference is being held.

Ms Blears, joined by Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable, Geoff Williams, said: "I am delighted to recognise the valuable work carried out by police dogs, often in very difficult and dangerous circumstances.

"I also very much appreciate the work they do here at Labour conference to ensure our safety."

IFAW UK director, Phyllis Campbell-McRae, said: "It is important to celebrate the work animals do for us and by giving these awards we acknowledge the tireless efforts of police dogs and their handlers to keep us safe."

In July, IFAW recognised the work of London's bomb detection dogs following the recent terrorist attacks on the capital.

Tuesday, September 27, 2005