A SEARCH and rescue dog has been named as a finalist in a national award for brave Britons.

Boris, a German short-haired pointer, from Bolton, is one of four animals in the Hero Pet category of the Charles Holland Awards.

Boris and owner Steve Nelson were, up until recently, the only qualified scent-specific trailing dog team in the country. The duo volunteer with SARDA Wales (Search and Rescue Dog Association) and travel the length and breadth of the UK to help in the hunt for missing people.

Steve said: “Boris receives about four calls a month, though this can vary and with his skills so rare, he is mainly called out to search for missing children and the vulnerable. Once he gets the scent he’s off, and he has the stamina and determination to go on for miles until he completes his task.

“Although the outcome isn’t always positive, he has saved lives or brought closure for the families of the deceased.”

Global Hearing specialist Amplifon launched its search to find ‘The Best Of British’ in memory of its founder and Second World War hero Charles Holland who was honoured for his bravery by Britain and America. The Charles Holland Awards for Brave Britons will celebrate truly remarkable people who are an example to the nation.

Falklands veteran Simon Weston led the judging panel and said: “I was honoured to be asked by Amplifon to be one of the judges for the Charles Holland Awards for Brave Britons because all the finalists had truly remarkable stories. It was a very tough decision. When I read Boris’s story it was truly touching. He has shown a great deal of courage and selflessness.

“It’s wonderful to see the unsung heroes in our midst – the truly remarkable people who are an inspiration to us all — finally given the recognition they deserve.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Churchill War Rooms in London tonight. A panel of judges will also choose an overall Hero from the category winners who will win a trip to Italy where Amplifon was founded.