A North Yorkshire man is hoping to "sleigh" the opposition when his two Siberian huskies take part in their first race later this month.

Malcolm Wride and huskies Hinault and Tara practise on a course near Wass for the Beta Siberian Husky Club Rally.

Malcolm Wride, from Husthwaite, near York, developed a passion for the dogs and the sport while on holiday in Canada and shortly afterwards he and his wife Margaret got their own team, Tara and Hinault.

"They are wonderful dogs," said Malcolm.

"They are as soft as your pocket and as daft as a brush, but they can't half pull.

"You have to wear a body harness to walk them, which is great because it leaves your hands free to hang on to gatepost and telegraph posts to try and slow them down."

For five years the Wrides have been spectators at the annual Beta Siberian Husky Club Rally, which is held in Glenmore Forest at Aviemore but this year Malcolm and his team will be racing against the clock.

Malcolm and the dogs have been training on a wheeled rig, which means enthusiasts can get out and about even without the benefit of snow.

"I took part in the 15-mile trek last year but that's not a competitive event," he said. "But at the tender age of 62 I'm going to take part in a race for the first time.

"I'm hoping there will be some snow - although there hasn't been any for the last five years - so I can have a go on a sledge."

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