The sport is already popular in Europe

Dog-lovers who end up being dragged around the park by their pets are being encouraged to take up a new sport.

Canicross is a mixture of dog-walking and cross-country running in which participants are tied to their dog before taking to the trail.

The sport is already popular in Europe, where it is used to train dog-sled teams, and now it is catching on in Britain.

The UK's first Canicross race is to take place in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, on Sunday 11 May.

Invigorating fun

Strapped together with a stretchy rope and a harness, dogs and runners will tackle a five-kilometre trail through woodland.

Race organiser Matt Hammersley said: "It is trail running with your dog, basically.

"You take your dog for a run - the only difference is that your dog is attached to you, which should help you with your running."

Canicross runner Sally Ledger said: "It is invigorating. That is the best way to describe it.

"It is a bit scary at times going downhill, but there is a great feeling of freedom and fun."

The organisers say all breeds of dog can take part, but huskies, rottweilers and retrievers are most popular.