Organisers voice husky success

More than 200 husky teams took part in the rally

More than 1,000 huskies took part in Britain's biggest sled dog racing event near Aviemore in the Highlands.

The event, watched by more than 1,500 spectators, was hailed a massive success as the forecast arctic conditions failed to appear.

Organisers of the Royal Canin Aviemore Sled Dog Rally said the brilliant sunshine in the Cairngorms encouraged large numbers to turn out to watch.

They said husky racing was growing in popularity in Britain.

Penny Evans, the event's joint organiser and honorary secretary of the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, said 200 husky teams had done battle.

The races involved eight, six, four and two-dog teams.

Anything with your dog is the ultimate pleasure and the dogs enjoy what they do - so everybody is happy Organiser Penny Evans

Using wheeled rigs instead of the traditional sled, the races began early in the morning and continued into the afternoon.

Ms Evans said: "There's an amazing number of spectators - I think the good weather has brought them out."

She added: "British people like their dogs, we are animal lovers, for that reason doing anything with your dog is the ultimate pleasure and the dogs enjoy what they do - so everybody is happy."

Huskies, which have their origin in the wolf, were first bred to pull sleds in arctic conditions hundreds of years ago.