OVERWEIGHT pooches can now lose unwanted pounds - with the help of North Yorkshire's first canine hydrotherapy centre.

The hot water swimming pool - the ultimate complementary therapy for helping dogs recover from injury as well as shed weight - opened today at a converted market garden at Cliffe, near Selby.

Ann Morris and her mother, Shirley, have pumped more than £20,000 into the new centre which includes a fully-heated, filtered pool where jet streams allow dogs to swim in a gentle current or in rapid white water.

Beginner dogs can be lowered into the pool with an electronic hoist and sling to avoid too much splashing - while for the more experienced swimmer there is a non-slip ramp to get in and out.

And for the more nervous or very lame canines, buoyancy aids are available along with a guide pole and adjustable collar.

"Exercising in a weightless environment helps dogs recover from surgery, strains and sprains. It can also help dogs lose weight and enable an athletic dog to maintain a high level of fitness," said Ann Morris, who ran a boarding kennels and cattery before setting up the hydrotherapy centre.

One of her 14 German Shepherds, a five-year-old bitch called Nora, took centre stage at today's opening ceremony.

Nora was the first to be put through her paces in the pool, and according to Ann "took to it like a duck to water."

The exclusive canine club at Hill Farm, Cliffe, also offers members a hydrospa - a hot tub heated to 42C which relaxes strained muscles and gives arthritis sufferers extra mobility.

Originally built for the greyhound industry, the spa includes six therapy jets which provide a powerful massage to ease aching muscles and joints by increasing blood circulation.

Says Ann: "It's a new concept which can help injured dogs and also help others maintain peak performance without the danger of injury."

And just so your dog does not go home wet, the facilities include a drying room.

For more details contact Ann or Shirley Morris on 01757 638086, or e-mail them on

Garavic@btinternet.com

Picture - LOVING IT: Ann Morris lowers Nora into the new pool at Hill Farm Canine Hydrotherapy Centre

Picture: David Harrison