A dales farming family's love of their Border Collie dogs has helped save their farm during the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Marcus and Mandy Bainbridge, who run a small sheep farm at Egglestone, near Barnard Castle, have always enjoyed working their dogs with the sheep, as well as competing in agility and flyball.

But with foot-and-mouth moving closer and closer to their farm and a ban on animal movements, the couple were afraid they would lose their livliehood if they did not do something to make some money.

Inspiration came when Mandy bought the couple's son, Josh, a Border Collie puppet.

They were so pleased with the toy that they sent for a catalogue and discovered there was a whole host of dog products on the market, including backpacks, phone holders, mugs and coasters.

They began exhibiting the range at some of the agility shows they attended and were encouraged by the response.

"Being involved in the farming community we knew we already had quite a strong market for dog items, and the response from agility people was excellent," said Mracus.

"Then there are of course breed people, obedience, pet and general dog lovers, so we decided to go a step further and expand the range."

The wider range of goods now includes stationery, Christmas cards, mats, videos and a range of models and wall plaques made locally.

"Buying stock of the new items was a big step as obviously finances on the farm were already stretched to the limit," explained Mandy.

"We also realised we would need a brochure for people to see products and if possible even a website with on-line purchasing facilities."

They managed to get help towards the setting up costs from Teesdale District Council and the local Enterprise Agency.

Finally they had to come up with a name for the enterprise, and as their favourite breed is the Border Collie, Marcus came up with Colliewobbles: "It just seemed to fit perfectly," he said.

They have produced a Colliewobbles brochure and website at www.colliewobbles.org.uk, which as well as the UK, has already received orders from America and Italy.