SLED dogs replaced battle tanks on Salisbury Plain to host an exercise of the canine variety last week.

The Alaskan Malamute Working Association returned to the military training area on December 27 and 28 for its annual Working Dog Event, the Salisbury Plain Trek.

Event organiser John Binding said: “Salisbury Plain is an ideal venue with its wide range of terrain and conditions. It is the perfect place to learn about the dogs’ abilities and to work together as a team.”

The trek allows competitors the opportunity to work their dogs in harness over longer distances, with 7.5, 11, 16 or 22-mile courses on offer.

Stand out star of the competition was 10-year-old Isabelle Thompson, who is a pupil at St Michaels Primary School in Figheldean and who this year completed her third distance sled-dog trek.

The event attracted over 30 entries over the two days with up to 100 sled dogs, with some competitors travelling from as far as Ireland, Birmingham and Essex to compete.