THE unusual sport of dog "flyballing" brought some interesting activity to a village near York at the weekend.

More than 100 dogs descended on Askham Lane Nurseries, Askham Bryan, for the weekend of events in the British Flyball Association's (BFA) Sanction Tournament.

The sport involves teams of four dogs leaping over four hurdles to trigger a box which releases a tennis ball which they catch and then return over the four jumps with the four dogs running in relay.

Teams came to the event from all over the country and sponsorship was provided by WAGG foods of Ripon.

Alison Booth, the Yorkshire regional representative for the BFA, said special thanks should also go to Anton Wittwer, of Modern Dog Sports, based in Hampshire, who made the event possible.

It was hosted by the Wakefield Tykes Flyball Team.

Alison said: "It's competitive when they are in the ring, but there is a friendly and relaxed atmosphere outside it.

"Most of the teams did very well and there have been some good times."

But she said it would have been difficult for any to reach the world record, which is just over 16 seconds.

If you would like more information about flyballing call John Verity, team manager for the Wakefield Tykes, on 01904 709024, or Alison on 01977 795156, or look at the BFA website www.flyball.org.uk

Updated: 11:17 Monday, July 09, 2001