Dogsey

A pack of Newfoundland dogs, owned by members of the Aqua Nova Water Bears training club, has been drafted in to help carry Christmas trees back to visitors' cars at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, North Yorkshire, with donations for each tree transported being split between two charities.

The “gentle giants”, who can weigh up to 12 stone, are helping to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team in two events organised by the Forestry Commission.

Newfoundlands were used as working dogs by fishermen. Strong swimmers, they have webbed feet and work as water rescue dogs. Speaking of their nature, Yvonne Bone, who coordinates the Newfoundland group, said:

“They are docile and wonderful with children, but because they are such a big dog they are more of a lifestyle than a pet. They are a little known breed in the UK, but we are dedicated to keeping them active doing the things they were bred for. They love being out and working at Christmas.”

Kate Thorn, Forestry Commission Recreation Manager, explained that real trees use fewer materials and less energy to produce than artificial trees, and said:

“It's a fantastic crowd pleasing way to buy a tree and have the dogs tow it back to the car in a cart.”

The dogs were in action on the weekend of 10/11 December at Dalby Forest and will continue on the weekend of 17/18 December. A traditional English green Father Christmas is in attendance and forest toll charges are refunded upon purchasing a tree.