A NORTH-EAST man is taking part in the first UK Sled Dog final and world championship qualifier this weekend.
The competition is being held in the normally tranquil grounds of Drumlanrig Castle, in Dumfries.
One hundred and twenty mushers, or sled dog drivers, and more than 1,000 dogs are expected to take part.
The winning musher will be UK champion and will qualify to compete in the World Dryland Championships in Poland next month.
Mick Byrne, from Consett, County Durham, the champion of the Sled Dog Association of Scotland's three-dog registered class, will take part.
He said: "For me it is only a two-hour drive to reach some fantastic sled dog racing, so I am really looking forward to it.
"Drumlanrig Castle will be a new venue to everyone taking part and I always enjoy trying out new tracks with my dogs.
"The setting is breathtaking and all the work that has gone into making this event as enjoyable for spectators as it is for the mushers who are competing, will make this a race not to be missed."
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