Macclesfield's hero soldier dog Treo has had his day once again – after being awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

The four-legged army trooper yesterday (Wednesday) received the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Dickin Medal from HRH Princess Alexandra, under the proud gaze of handler and former Tytherington man, Sergeant David Heyhoe.

Treo, an eight-year-old black labrador,earned the accolade for finding deadly roadside bombs on two separate occasions while patrolling in Afghanistan.

He retired from active service in August last year and now lives with his former handler at the family home.

Sgt Heyhoe, aged 40, a veteran of more than 20 years in the army, said: "Treo truly is a wonder dog. Without his work in Afghanistan, there is no doubt soldiers would have suffered serious injuries and could have died if the IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) had exploded."

The pair were attached to the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment near Sangin, in Afghanistan, during 2008, and were taking part in a patrol when Treo alerted his handler to booby-trapped roadside IEDs hidden by the Taliban.

His detection work prevented death and serious injuries to the patrolling soldiers, according to Sgt Heyhoe, who lived in Tytherington and Rainow for a number of years and has previously met the Prime Minister thanks to his heroic work with Treo.

He said: "Treo is a loyal, obedient and devoted dog. During his career as a military working dog, he has been very thorough in his searches.

"Together, we make a great search team and locating these deadly IEDs proved Treo's worth in Afghanistan."

Princess Alexandra, a patron of the PDSA, presented the award during a ceremony at the Imperial War Museum.

Major Graham Shannon, Officer Commanding in the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, said: "Treo's nose kept my soldiers safe from the roadside bombs planted by the Taliban to maximise injuries and deaths among troops.

"It is fitting that Treo has been recognised for the protection he afforded the troops through the presentation of this award."

PDSA chairman Michael Bolton said: "PDSA is proud to honour Treo with the PDSA Dickin Medal, the animals' Victoria Cross, for his gallantry in saving countless human lives.

"He continued with his duties irrespective of the dangers that faced him and in the process saved many, many lives."