A FORMER Royal Marine from Dovercourt is being honoured for his work to help the dogs of war.

Paul ‘Pen’ Farthing, 40, set up the charity Nowzad Dogs after seeing the plight of abandoned and mistreated dogs while serving in Afghanistan.

The charity has moved several dogs from war-torn Helmand province to an animal refuge in a safer part of the country, as well as helping several soldiers bring dogs that they have adopted back to Britain.

The former 42 Commando sergeant is receiving an award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare in recognition of the charity’s work, which is being presented at the House of Lords on Wednesday.

His wife Lisa, who helps run the charity while serving in the Royal Navy, said: “The plight of animals is often forgotten in war, and Afghanistan is no different.

“This award puts us in the limelight and it’s really positive to get recognition for the work we’ve done.“ The charity started after the Gazette reported in November 2006 on the efforts of Mr Farthing and his colleagues to help stray dogs near their base.

Many were former pets left to fend for themselves after their owners fled battles in the area, but found themselves used by criminal gangs for dog fights.

The troops fed the strays from their own rations and built a shelter for them in their compound.

“After the article people started sending cheques in so when Pen he came back from Afghanistan we thought we’re going to have to do this properly,” Mrs Farthing said.

“We set up the charity and haven’t had a spare moment since!”

The charity has brought 10 dogs to Britain, with three in quarantine and more scheduled to come from Afghanistan.

Mrs Farthing said: “We’re not just bringing backs for the sake of it, they’re all being rehomed mostly with the soldiers who found them.

“The dogs adopt very well to life in Britain. Now Zad, who’s named after the town where it all began, was in the worst condition after Pen rescued him from a dog fight. It took a few weeks but he has really settled in to life with our other two dogs.

“He can be wary of new people and situations, which is understandable, but he’s fine once he realises he’s among friends.

“Our longer term aim is to encourage people to take care of the dogs out in Afghanistan, set up a vet training scheme and send out supplies.”

Robbie Marsland, Uk director for IFAW, said: "We are very pleased to be able to recognise Pen's efforts.

“It is amazing what he and his wife have achieved and fantastic that their work in Afghanistan continues to help many more needy animals."

* For more information visit www.nowzaddogs.co.uk