When I was a kid the big Christmas treat was Santa’s arrival at our Christmas party. I didn’t speculate on his veracity. If he had a sack full of toys that was good enough for me. A Dinky racing car and I’d believe anything.

Sadly, my innocence was shattered a couple of years later when I emptied a box of tacks on the floor so that I’d hear Santa as he tiptoed around my bed. I’d never heard Father Christmas swear before.

He was in a foul temper and sounded strangely like my dad.

That was the end of Santa as I’d known him. There were no more gifts at the foot of my bed after that episode. From then on my presents were on the kitchen table. ‘Santa’ wasn’t risking life and limb crossing my bedroom in his stocking feet for ‘that little terror’.

I’m a big kid now and nothing has changed. The highlight of my Christmas this year will be even better than Santa. On Tuesday, December 18, Treo, the world’s bravest dog, is visiting Morley Green Club in Wilmslow with his handler David Heyhoe.

Treo was awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross for his outstanding success in detecting hidden explosives in Afghanistan, including one extraordinary incident with a suicide bomber.

Not only will we hear Treo’s story from Sergeant Heyhoe but we will see Treo demonstrate his amazing talent. Look, no one has seen more dogs than me, but this is something special.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can’t wait. David will be signing his new book detailing Treo’s exploits and all proceeds will go to Animal Support Volunteers. Tickets (including tea and mince pie) are a fiver which has to be the best value gig this Christmas (Sleeping Beauty tickets cost up to £35 and there’s no dog!)

Tickets for Treo and David are available from Morley Green Club (01625-525224) or phone Nigel direct on 07780-665433.