A DOG training expert is hoping to use the experiences gained in trekking to Mount Everest as part of her business.

Lesley Thompson, the owner of Special Friends Pet Care, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is training to become an accredited mountain leader.

The enterprise, which Ms Thompson set up with support from Business Link, provides animal owners with a range of services, including pet and house sitting, animal care, dog walking and dog training.

When she qualifies as a mountain leader, Ms Thompson plans to incorporate it into Special Friends Pet Care by teaching people how to handle their dogs correctly and safely while enjoying a day out in the countryside.

She said: “To celebrate my 50th birthday I decided I would climb to Mount Everest base camp, which was an incredible experience. I also went on a 23-day trek to Mount Kangchenjunga, which is the third highest mountain in the world.

“Because of this experience and my passion for mountains, I have decided to become a fully trained mountain leader.”

Ms Thompson’s business caters for all creatures great and small, ranging from fish to horses, and more unusual pets, like goats and ferrets.

She added: “It is fantastic running my own enterprise now, being able to do something that is a personal passion.”

For general information on the support Business Link has to offer, go to businesslink.gov.uk/north east or call 0845-600-9006.