A WOMAN who has won Crufts prizes for her dog-training-to-music skills gave a terrific demonstration of the art at the Elton Maize Mazes at the weekend.

For many visitors and dog-show entrants it was the first chance of seeing Carole Dodson and her dogs in action in the Forest.

She and her daughter Michelle have been given the go-ahead to open a dog-training centre of excellence and show arena near Lydney.

"We are really looking forward to working here and we're glad we have found such a good place for our plans," she said at Forest Oak Farm, Purlieu, on the A48 between Lydney and Blakeney (formerly Double Farm).

Carole has moved here from the Cotswolds where she has won wide acclaim for training courses which teach dog handling from basic skills to heelwork to music, her speciality.

Dog lovers from as far away as Japan and the U.S. are expected to come to the centre to learn specialist skills.

"We will hopefully help a lot of local people to train their pets but I expect we will attract people from much further afield for the shows and training, so this is good news for the Forest as a whole," Carole said.

Dogs' Day at Elton Farm Maize Mazes on Sunday featured a dog show with a variety of classes in addition to Carole's demonstration.

The event proved a big success with entrants from across the Forest.

"Carole Dodson even got some dog owners and their pets to join in dancing with her. It was quite amazing," said Brian Griffin, who organised the show with Severn Dean Lions.

£150 proceeds from the show will go to Guide Dogs for the Blind.