A PET charity is appealing to owners of special pets to nominate their furry friends who deserve a medal for their achievements.

Blue Cross animal charity is looking for pets worthy of its Blue Cross Medal, which celebrates all pets from assistance dogs to therapy pets, military animals or simply a life-changing companion.

Emma Pannell, re-homing centre manager at Thirsk Blue Cross, said: “Blue Cross has been caring for pets for more than a hundred years and we are still amazed every day by the heart-warming stories we hear about them. It’s lovely to be able to recognise these wonderful pets with our medal.”

Last year’s Blue Cross Medal winner was medical detection dog Daisy, a labrador retriever who has saved hundreds of lives -including her owner’s - by detecting cases of cancer.

Other outstanding entries included a heroic cat who saved her owner’s life by waking her up when she was having a heart attack in her sleep and a dog whose companionship helped her young autistic owner gain confidence and cope with the social situations she found so difficult.

The Blue Cross Medal was reinstated last year to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross since 1897 and the charity played an important role providing front line veterinary care to horses during World War One. In 1918, Blue Cross awarded a number of medals to honour horses which had served in the war.

The Blue Cross Medal is open to pets nationwide that have done something brave, life changing partnerships, assistance animals or serving or working animals. Deadline for entries is October 1. To nominate a pet or find out more visit www.bluecross.org.uk/medal.