A Rotherwick dog was a finalist in a Hero Animal of the Year competition run by a leading animal charity.

Harley, a Hungarian Vizsla, was out walking with owner James Hobbins when he located dementia sufferer Margaret Lee, who had caused an area-wide search after being reported missing.

Margaret, 75, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, went missing from Nursery Close in Hook on June 27 after she set off for a walk and never returned.

With police dogs unable to locate her, she was not found until June 28, cold, wet and disorientated.

Mr Hobbins was walking on a remote bridleway at the time and when it became too muddy to continue he decided to turn around.

But Harley had gone on ahead and disappeared out of sight, and refused to return when called by his owner.

Harley’s unresponsive nature was uncharacteristic and as James moved on to try and locate his dog, he could hear him whining and crying, and when he caught up with him, he found Harley next to Mrs Lee who had fallen and become stuck in the thick mud, and had been there for some time.

After calling emergency services, who identified her as the missing woman, it became evident that Harley was something of a hero.

Pc Stacy Beale said: “I had completed a number of searches with a trained police dog, but was unable to locate her. Without doubt, the actions of Harley saved Margaret’s life and ensured her safe return to her family.

“The route in question is not well used. Harley’s determination to remain with Margaret, a stranger to him, despite James trying to call him back shows that he is a true hero.”

The Animal Hero Awards recognise and celebrate the most inspiring examples of bravery, dedication and resilience in the animal world.

The Daily Mirror joined forces with the RSPCA to pick the most inspiring animals, along with the individuals and teams who have shown outstanding commitment to improving their lives.

The awards were hosted by Amanda Holden earlier this, with guests including Alesha Dixon, Dr Brian May, Lucy Watson, Paul O’Grady, Laura Whitmore and Tom Fletcher.

Harley missed out on winning the Hero Animal of the Year award, which went to Baxter from Renfrewshire in Scotland, who saved the life of a six-year-old girl who was choking to death after suffering a seizure.

Haatchi, an Anatolian shepherd from Basingstoke won the Caring Animal of the Year award after forming a heartwarming bond with a 10-year-old boy suffering from a rare genetic disorder confining him to a wheelchair.

Owen Howkins is one of only 25 people in the world who suffer from Schwartz-Jampel Sydnrome, which makes his muscles permanently tense and prevents his bones from growing.

His father and step-mum decided to adopt Haatchi after Owen became increasingly withdrawn at school.

Rescued from East London after being hit by a train and having his rear left leg and tail amputated, Haatchi has formed an unbreakable bond with 10-year-old Owen, who has now come out of his shell and starting engaging with his friends at school.

Host Amanda Holden said: "I’m delighted to be working with the Animal Hero Awards again this year. It’s so important to recognise those who selflessly dedicate themselves to animal welfare – as well as the outstanding animals themselves, of course!”