Bobbie the Wonder dog crossed more than 2,500 miles of plains, desert and mountains to find his way home – and became the inspiration for Lassie.

Cher Ami the pigeon, despite being shot twice, delivered a message that saved the lives of 194 soldiers in 1918.

Trakr the police dog spent two days exhaustively searching Ground Zero and found the last survivor of the 9/11 attacks.

Ever since Alexander the Great named a city after the horse who saved his life in battle (and another after his dog), human history wouldn’t be the same without the awe-inspiring tales of amazing animals.

Now BAFTA-winning presenter, no. 1 bestselling author and all-round national treasure Clare Balding picks out the most heroic and heart-warming (and sometimes hilarious) animals from history and tells their stories.

From Simon the sea cat to Greyfriars Bobby’s 14-year vigil over his master’s grave, to the elephant that saved a small girl and Paul the World-Cup-predicting octopus, Heroic Animals brings to life incredible feats and moving moments which highlight the timeless special bond between human and animal.

Shop the rest of our bookshop here.

100% of the profits from the sale of this book go directly to ABF The Soldiers' Charity supporting soldiers, former soldiers and their families for life.