THESE two four-legged friends have plenty of ‘tails’ of heroic and brave deeds.

While people in Bolton and across the country celebrate being named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, retired Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service dogs are also in line for a prestigious accolade — widely regarded as the animal world’s equivalent of the OBE.

Echo and Cracker, who worked as search and rescue dogs, will receive the Order of Merit from the PDSA — The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals — this month.

Fire Investigator and Dog Unit Manager Mike Dewar, who lives in Bolton, said: “It is a tremendous honour for GMFRS dog team to be given such a prestigious award.

“It recognises the fantastic work they do in helping to keep our communities safe and educating people in the dangers of smoke and fire.”

The award recognises animals that display outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society and exceptional examples of the special relationship between animals and humans.

Echo served with the fire service for 10 years before retiring in 2012, Cracker served from 2007 until her retirement in 2016.

During his service Echo attended approximately 70 incidents and assisted in many multi-agency events both in the UK and overseas.

The Labrador Retriever went to Haiti following devastating earthquake in January, 2010 and helped with search efforts when an explosion in Irlam, Salford, destroyed four homes .

He can add this to his collection which includes the Pride of Britain Award, IFAW animal of the year 2010, hero dog of the year 2010 and Cruft’s friends for life award 2011.

Cracker had a chief superintendent’s commendation for her work at a rally in Bolton in 2009, searching for petrol bombs hidden in Queens Park.

She was directly involved in the conviction of over 30 arsonists and attended approximately 500 incidents during her career, along with over 1000 events and open days

The Order of Merit ensures that all extraordinary animal contributions to society can be formally recognised.

To date, they have given the honour to 10 police horses and seven dogs.