London Fire Brigade pooch Roscoe may spend his days smelling out the cause of fires, but now he has been handed an award not to be sniffed at.

The 12-year-old springer spaniel was named animal of the year by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) this week.

Roscoe began working with the Brigade 11 years ago, has not missed a single shift and has assisted at the scene of more than 600 fires across the capital.

Using his sense of smell, he is able to help fire investigators to pinpoint the cause of fires, sniffing out ignitable substances such as petrol and lighter fluid.

Watch manager Mick Boyle, Roscoe's handler, said: "Roscoe always surprises me and it gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction to see him enjoying the work while finding the cause of suspicious fires and helping to keep people safe.

"When members of the public see him arrive at the scene of a fire and ask why he's there I say he's going to tell me who started the fire.

"At the age of one year Roscoe came to me to start training after being given up for rehoming by his previous owners. Immediately he hit the ground running."

Roscoe was expected to be ready for retirement two years ago, but continues to be enthusiastic about his work. He is now making a gradual shift towards retirement.