DUDLEY Council is launching a doggie boot camp for people who want to exercise alongside their pet pooches.

Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge is to trial new canicross fitness sessions - offering dog owners chance to do cross country running with their four-legged friends.

The new sessions will be trialled at the Norton park in the new year. There will be one early morning weekday session and one weekend day class.

Runners and walkers typically wear a waist belt with the dog attached to a bungee, although a collar and lead can also be used.

Anyone over eight years old and of any fitness level can take part in the doggie boot camp sessions, which will include 45 minutes of jogging, walking and exercises - and which are suitable for any breed of dog over a year old.

Councillor Stuart Turner, Dudley’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said the sessions are to be introduced as part of efforts by the council to “support everyone to lead healthy lifestyles”.

For more information call 01384 813963 or visit website www.dudley.gov.uk/greenspacesforhealth