WHEN Garry Thompson takes to the waves for a winter surf, he doesn't leave any of the family behind - even the family dog, Fudge.

Mr Thompson, 50, who works in pipeline construction, has owned cocker spaniel Fudge since he was a puppy and the pair have become a regular sight on the Tyneside coastline.

He said: "I've been taking Fudge to Tynemouth since the summer.

"I started by taking him out in the boat and letting him have a paddle, so he could get used to it.

"Then I got him a life jacket and put him on the surfboard.

"To be honest, I think he likes to sit on me more than on the board itself, but I push him to the front when I see a wave coming.

"After that, when he gets his balance, away we go. I think he must be a natural."

Mr Thompson, who is married to Jan, 46, and has three children, Andrew, 18, and 14- year-old twins Ross and Georgia, said surfers at Tynemouth recognise Fudge.

He said: "I've had all kinds of reactions to Fudge on the board. Most people think it's funny or that I'm a bit mad, but they've got used to it now.