MORE than 100 dogs tore around Ringwood Forest in the annual sled-dog event. Riding aboard specially-created sleds, "Mushers" held on tight as the dogs bounded around the route at great speed.

Organiser Lindsey Dedden said: "Many people came especially to watch but lots were walkers who came across the sled-race by accident and were very interested in what was going on. It must have been quite a surprising sight for them. The dogs were very excited at the start and quite noisy until they were released.

"It was a cold day but thankfully there were caterers on site serving hot food and tea."

Canine participants were mostly of the Siberian Husky variety, but there were also Alaskan Malumites and a couple of other, less known breeds. And they travelled from all over Britain for the festive event.

Routes varied from 1.7 miles to four miles, some "rigs" were towed by between either three or four dogs and the start was staggered. The teams have had a busy winter training for the event.

Lindsey added: "We are grateful for everyone's hard work - they all pitched in. Our thanks also go to the Forestry Commission for allowing us to use the land.

"The route had the odd hill but the mushers and the dogs didn't come back too exhausted.

"It was a big success."