EFFORTS are being made to turn the North-East into one of the country's leading centres for husky racing.

Enthusiasts from around the region are working on plans for a £380,000 racing centre and trails around the 150,000-acre Kielder Forest, in Northumberland.

John Liddle, chairman of the Kielder Sled Dog Group, who trains his own huskies on the moors near his home at Consett, County Durham, said the centre would support the region's tourist economy during the quiet winter months.

Mr Liddle, who took up the sport in 1995 after watching a race at Kielder, said: "The sport is not for the faint hearted, but it's a heck of a ride and a thrilling spectacle.

"Our vision is to make Kielder the nation's prime venue for the sport. It's an ambitious aim, but we've put a lot of effort into the plans."

The plans would see the creation of purpose-built canine trails, with carefully designed twists and turns and racing surfaces kinder on paws than forest roads.

Jonathan Farries, of the Forestry Commission, which is backing the idea, said: "A top husky centre would be a real attraction for the area, capable of generating plenty of economic spin-offs."

Up to 60 mushers from around the United Kingdom are expected to take part in the next race to take place at Kielder, a two-day meeting starting on Saturday.