A volunteer who has worked at the PDSA Animal Cemetery in Redbridge for five years has been awarded for his dedication.

Steve Plastow helps at the cemetary in Woodford Bridge Road around his job as an exam invigilator.

He was highly commended in the charity’s Volunteer of the Year awards on Thursday.

Steve said: “I really enjoy showing people around the cemetery and telling people about the brave animals who rest here, or my ‘friends’ as I refer to them.

“My aim is to continue to raise the profile of the cemetery, it’s a wonderful place and I think more people should know about the astonishing stories of the pets who are buried here.”

Famous animals at the site include 12 recipients of the “animal Victoria Cross” - the Dickin Medal.

The cemetary dates from the 1920s and famous Blitz search and rescue dog Peter is among the 3,000 beloved pets laid to rest there.

Steve has compiled a folder on each Dickin Medal recipient for visitors to read.

The PDSA provides free veterinary treatment to sick and injured pets.