The new sport –– which involves strapping yourself to your canine companion and letting the dog drag you around the countryside –– is growing in popularity and organised events are being held across the country.

Earlier this month, competitors and their four-legged friends descended on Sherwood Pines Forest Park for the latest race and tackled a 5km or a 2.5km route around the scenic park.

Cani-cross –– short for canine cross-country –– is essentially just running with your dog but most participants choose to harness their dog's pulling power and chase instinct with a dog running harness, waist belt and Cani-cross bungee line.

This is more comfortable for human and dog and gives extra assistance –– which is particularly handy for the hills –– and if you have two four-legged friends strap them both on and let the doggy duo do the hard work.

The sport is suitable for all shapes and sizes, any breed and all fitness levels — canine and human –– and for those wanting to have a go, no special equipment is needed as an ordinary collar and lead are acceptable.

As well as being a great way to get in shape, Cani-cross is a brilliant way to get out in the fresh air and spend quality time with your dog.

And Shape Up Notts! organiser Simon Starr believes Cani-cross is an ideal way to squeeze more exercise into your life.

"Shape Up Notts! fully supports events like the Cani-cross," he said. "Walking or running with your dog is a great way of exercising and it makes it all the more fun.

"Only one in five of us is doing enough exercise and half of Nottinghamshire's adult population do no exercise at all. Shape Up Notts! encourages people to do 30 minutes more exercise.

"Just 30 minutes of exercise, whether it be running, walking or anything you enjoy, could be your first step to a more healthy, active and successful lifestyle."

• For more information on the Shape Up Notts! campaign visit www.sportnottinghamshire.co.uk and to find out more about Cani-cross visit www.cani-cross.co.uk.