A former stray dog called Max has proved a hit at the rather unusual canine hobby of surfing.

The Alsatian-collie crossbreed took to the sport like a duck to water after being introduced to the sport by his owner Peter Bounds.

"It was a really hot summer and I thought I would try him on a board," said Mr Bounds, 52.

"He just jumped straight on and I pushed him off and he was away."

Mr Bounds, himself a former international surfer for Great Britain and Wales, says Max now hates being left out of any water sports.

"He will come out in the water and join in with whatever is going on.

"He doesn't want to be left behind," said Mr Bounds, who runs a water sports centre in Dale, near Milford Haven, west Wales.

Mr Bounds adopted Max after he turned up on his doorstep during a stormy night four years ago.

Max is now a well-known character on the waterfront near the village.

His unusual skill has now earned him a nomination for a competition to find Britain's top dogs.

He has been short-listed for a Golden Bonio award. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in April.