A special moment for a museum who are able to proudly show off their latest exhibit.

The Devil’s Porridge Museum is displaying a medal; that had been awarded to a pigeon after it bravely passed on a message that resulted in a crew being rescued.

The Dickin Medal was created by Maria Dickin, founder of the PDSA in 1943 to recognise the brave contribution made by animals in War. The founder was inspired by the animals’ devotion to man and duty, and she introduced the special medal specifically for animals in war.

It’s a large, bronze medallion bearing the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” all within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and sky blue representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, land and air forces.

Rarely handed out it has been awarded just 71 times to 31 dogs, 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.

Currently spending time at the museum after being loaned to them from the Royal Pigeon Racing Association.

It’s one of only three medals they have loaned from their collection.

This particular medal commemorates ‘Dutch Coast’ a pigeon who delivered an SOS from a ditched aircrew in 1942. The pigeon covered 288 miles in 7.5 hours and the entire crew were rescued.

Proud to be able to display the item, Judith Hewitt, museum manager said: “The Museum has a memorial on display outside to commemorate Animals in War and last year members of our young historians club worked with the RPRA and the Carlisle animals in war group to curate an exhibition about all the animals who also served.

“We are delighted to be able to bring this rare object to our region and to share it with our visitors. “It will go on display within the next few weeks and will offer something different for everyone especially animal lovers.”