BEST-SELLING author Jilly Cooper is backing a campaign to save a police dog's life.

The novelist offered her support after hearing about the plight of five-year-old Gwent Police dog Saxon.

The German shepherd is on death row after officers branded him "dangerous".

A four-week assessment on the dog, who was withdrawn from service and threatened with being put down after concerns were raised over his behaviour, is coming to an end.

A spokesman for the force said no decision had been made about his fate.

Thousands of people across the globe have signed an online petition to save his life.

And now Riders and Rivals author Ms Cooper, who is currently writing a new novel, has pledged her support.

A spokesman for the author said: "There has been communication between Ms Cooper and the campaigners. She is supporting the campaign." Campaigners say they are delighted with her support.

Captain Bryn Wayt, chairman of the Save Our Saxon campaign group, confirmed they have been in touch with the animal lover.

"Jilly Cooper offers her best wishes and good luck," he said.

Saxon has already undergone four assessments: by Gwent Police, by the Prison Service, by dog experts from Strathclyde Police, and by the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers.

They all concluded he was not suitable to be a police dog any more, or a prison guard dog.

Caroline Townley, of Nantyglo, whose dog handler husband, PC Mike Townley, worked with Saxon for four years, wants the dog given to her permanently.

He is currently in kennels with other police dogs.