THOUSANDS of people turned out to watch teams of husky dogs racing through the Dean in the Cotswold Outdoor Wyedean Quest Stage Stop Sled Dog Race.

Competitors came from far and wide to enter, with racer Rob Morley from Inverness driving for thirteen and a half hours to take part – despite there being two other dog races on his doorstep.

There were day and night stages in the Speech House and Mallards Pike area and organiser Matt Hammersley, formerly of Berry Hill, said: "It went absolutely brilliantly and no one dropped out – every one of the 25 starters finished every stage.

"It is down to the quality of the trails which are among the best in the country."

Shaun Thompson, of Cinderford, finished tenth overall, coming in just behind a lot of very good teams from across the country.

Mike Holbourn, of Bristol, who trains in the Forest, took the sportsmanship award for his determination and his helpfulness towards other competitors.

But the clear winner of the competition was Cathy Croman of Hampshire who led in every one of the four stages, despite using the same four dogs in every race.

Prizes were presented by Nick Evans, the UK's only international sled dog racer.

Matt added: "Next year we want it to be even bigger and better – we hope to attract some European competitors.

"The response from this year's competitors was excellent. They said it was the best event of the year, if not the best event they have ever taken part in.

"The whole weekend was absolutely fantastic and it was the mushers themselves that made it, by helping each other out and being so friendly.

"They really brought out the spirit of the sport and everyone who came this year says they want to come back next year."