Twins train showjumping rabbits

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The rabbits are to be entered in a talented pets competition

Twin brothers from Doncaster are hoping their pet rabbits will become future champions by training them to bounce over miniature show jumps.

Matthew and Thomas Haslam have put together a rigorous training programme for their four-legged friends in the garden of the family home at Moorends.

The 15-year-olds, who have Asperger's syndrome, plan to enter the rabbits in a talent competition next month.

Matthew said:" It keeps them fit as well as us."

The pet-loving brothers have 20 rabbits as well as rats, a guinea pig, a cat and a dog.

Matthew said the brothers spend every day looking after and training the rabbits.

He said: "We get up about 6.30 and feed them, go back in the house and have breakfast, come back out around 10, do a bit of showjumping till about four or five, then start feeding and watering them, then do a bit more and go and watch soaps."

Talking about her sons' hobby Brenda Haslam said: "It gives them responsibility.

"It gives them something to do which because they don't go out because of their Asperger's, they don't do anything, so been able to do this every day gives them something to look forward to."