The family of an army dog handler who was killed in Afghanistan has been presented with the Elizabeth Cross by the Princess Royal.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, from Kirkcaldy, Fife, was killed on 1 March when he was on patrol in Helmand province with springer spaniel Theo.
The sniffer dog, described as a "true friend" to the soldier, died hours later after suffering a seizure.
The Princess presented the medal to the soldier's family at a private ceremony.
It was held at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.
L/Cpl Tasker's mother, Jane Duffy collected the medal together with his father Ian Tasker, his brother Ian, his two sisters Laura and Nicola, and his girlfriend Leah.
Mrs Duffy said: "It was a great honour to receive the Elizabeth Cross from Princess Anne. It has been a memorable and emotional day, but also a very proud occasion."
'Saved lives'The Elizabeth Cross was introduced in 2009 to give recognition to bereaved families of soldiers killed on operations, or as a result of terrorist actions since 1 January 1948.Continued
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