DOG owners ran with their pets in the first event of its kind staged to raise funds for Manorlands hospice.

The canicross – canine cross country – saw 119 dogs and their owners compete across a two-and-a-half-mile loop.

People and their pets travelled from as far away as Scotland to take part in the event, which coined-in over £3,500 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Organiser, Skipton canicross group Running Riot, said it was delighted with how it went.

Jo Wormald, for the group, added: “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the enormous success of our very first canicross race in aid of Sue Ryder Manorlands.

“It was awesome to see so many dogs and runners having fun, many racing as a team for the very first time.

“I am so proud of my fellow club members who put so much work into making the race run smoothly – it would never have happened without them.”

Despite conditions being wet underfoot, landowner John Howard helped make the site – at Heslaker Farm, Carleton – accessible.

The Robinson family – from Canicross Scotland – dominated the prizes, with brothers Duncan and Murdo placed first and second. Meanwhile, mum Hilary was first in the women’s race with one dog, and dad Steve took the honours in the over-45s category. The race for two dogs was won by Adele Antcliffe and James Coxon.

The event was sponsored by Millies Wolfheart, which was on hand to present prizes.

Tribute was paid to everyone involved by Sue Ryder fundraiser Molly Ralphson, who helped with the planning and attended on the day.

“This was a fantastic event and a credit to the canicross group,” she said.

“It was great to be part of the only event of this kind in the area and the money raised is fantastic for the hospice. It will really help us continue our specialist care for local people.

“Thanks go to Running Riot, Heslaker Farm, Millies Wolfheart, the volunteers, the participants and of course their dogs!”

In the increasingly popular sport of canicross, which was first introduced to the UK in 2000, dogs are fitted with special harnesses which are then attached to the runner.