ONE man and his dog are aiming to become world record beaters in more ways than one by taking part in 131 different shoots in 131 days, the maximum number possible, to raise money for two charities.

Barry Atkinson, a Yorkshireman now living in Newark, intends to set a new field sports world record for beating at shoots during the current partridge and pheasant season and was at Raby Castle, Staindrop, on Wednesday on the 63rd day of his attempt. He is raising money for Cancer Research UK and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Charitable Trust.

He is accompanied on his travels by his constant companion Spider, a retired 11-year-old liver and white English Springer spaniel, which has developed a cancerous tumour and is now devoting the rest of his active life to what has become Spider's Appeal. The pair started their quest on September 1 and have already covered 21 counties.

Mr Atkinson is managing the punishing schedule by staying with shooting hosts and by spending the occasional night in the car, with Spider to keep him warm. He was the guest of Raby keeper Lindsay Waddell at Newbiggin in Teesdale on Monday night. He has already raised an amazing £9,694, with a large part of his journey still in front of him.

"It is a gruelling schedule, but the support has been fantastic," said Mr Atkinson, an artist and designer who describes himself as a countryman through and through. "On one shoot alone I collected £671. The NGO is helping me locate new shoots as I go along, and Spider is always with me, although because of his cancer he can no longer join in the actual beating line."

All shoots can contribute by making a collection during the season, which ends on February 1. Donations from members of the public will also be welcomed by the pair. Cheques should be made payable to Spider's Appeal and sent to Woodside House, Norwell, Newark NG23 6JN. Every penny raised will be split between Cancer Research UK and the NGO Charitable Trust.