A pooch who helped police nab two burglars is in line for a bravery award.

Don, a border collie from Worthing, has reached the National shortlist of the Golden Bonio Awards which recognise dogs' bravery, companionship, survival, devotion and friendship.

Proud owner Jenny Martin, ten, of Woodmancote Road in Worthing, nominated her pet after he helped police catch two burglars last year.

The duo raided a house on Jenny's street and jumped over the Martins' back fence to make their getaway from the police.

However, they hadn't reckoned with Don, who shot through his dog flap and started barking frantically.

As they tried to scramble over the Martins' fence they sent it crashing to the ground, giving police extra seconds to catch the pair.

The Martins arrived home to find two policemen in their garden hailing Don as a hero.

Jenny said: "We are all so proud of him and certainly feel safe with him around."

Jenny's mum Debbie said: "I think the burglars probably feared for their lives and in their panic went through our fence rather than over it.

"That slowed them down and police heard Don barking and knew something was wrong.

"I'm gobsmacked he has done so well. When my daughter read about the competition she said she was going to enter him."

To reach the national shortlist Don had to beat 300 other entrants.

His nomination will now be presented to a celebrity judging panel which includes Miranda Richardson, Anthea Turner and Twiggy.

If Don is selected as one of the ten national finalists he will be invited to a ceremony in London on March 18, where the winner will receive £1,000 and a Golden Bonio Trophy.