A dog has been honoured with a special award after saving the life of her owner.

Sheira helped rescue her owner Vanessa Layton, who is hard of hearing, from a dangerous electrical fire.

Vanessa, from New Ash Green, said: “I had fallen asleep downstairs and a faulty extension cable had caught fire and filled the room with toxic smoke.

“The smoke alarm was going off, but as I am quite deaf it hadn’t woken me up. It was 2am when I felt Sheira licking my hand and nudging me with her nose.

"It woke me up and I was quite disorientated at first, but I could taste and see the smoke.

"Sheira sleeps upstairs so she had run down to alert me. I was able to put out the fire with a wet towel and open the windows and doors to get rid of the smoke.

The three-year-old Akita has been rewarded for her quick thinking with a special pet CBE from Kent veterinary group, Pennard Vets.

“Sheira was bred by a friend of mine, and I have had her since she was seven months old," Vanessa explained. "She is very loving but a bit of a fidget!"

"She loves a walk and is a great companion. I have always had Akitas – they are big, strong, active dogs with plenty of personality – so they are not right for everyone, but I love the breed.

“I’m very grateful for her quick-thinking that night. When I saw that Pennard Vets was awarding a CBE to the pet who best demonstrates companionship, bravery and excellence, I knew I should enter Sheira.

"I’m really touched that she was selected as the winner!”

Each practice across the county voted for the winning entry – including Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Allington, Borough Green, Langley Park and West Malling.

Dr Caroline Collins from Pennard Vets said: “We had lots of really inspirational entries for the pet CBE, but Sheira’s actions really stood out and we were so pleased to present her with the award certificate and individual portrait session for Sheira”