Ferrets Gamble and Gambit are in serious training ahead of an expected rush from the punters.

The two furry creatures aim to be show stealers again when they make an appearance on the ferret racing scene at a North Yorkshire street market.

The ferrets have already won a seal of approval from Richard Whiteley, no less.

It was Whiteley's discomfort over being bitten by a ferret while appearing on Yorkshire Television that has perpetually haunted him by replay after action replay.

Quite by chance Whiteley saw the ferret racing at Masham Sheep Fair and found Gamble and Gambit a more than friendly pair as they allowed him to stroke them, watched by some anxious spectators.

But the pair were on their best behaviour, responding in a friendly fashion without sinking their sharp teeth into his finger.

The idea of having a flutter on a ferret is being promoted by Tom Mould who lives at Masham, near Ripon.

The former North Yorkshire and Harrogate Borough councillor has built a roulette wheel and punters have to bet on which hole the mammals will appear after it has been given a spin.

Mr Mould said the game had proved so popular he is taking it to Wath Street Fair near Ripon, on July 13.

He has built an anti-escape device so that once the ferrets appear from the hole they cannot escape.

"Even though they are very friendly it wouldn't do to have them dashing up and down the street fair," he said.

The ferrets are supplied by a friendly farming neighbour at Binsoe Derek Whincup.

"They were very well behaved at the sheep fair and I have no hesitation in giving them another public appearance," said Mr Mould.

The fair will raise cash for St Mary's Church. Last year's event was cancelled because of the foot-and-mouth crisis, denting church funds.

Organisers are hoping the ferrets will help give the event a financial fillip with bets at £1 a time