Skateboards are traditionally associated with streetwise teenagers.

But six Cavalier King Charles spaniels are performing some real-life tricks of their own by adopting the philosophy: Four legs good - four wheels better.

Now their owners, all members of the West Chiltington Cavalier Club, near Storrington in West Sussex, no longer take their pets for a stroll. Instead, they take them for a roll.

The skateboarding spaniels are preparing to show off their skills at prestigious dog show Crufts next March.

Members of the club taught them to propel themselves along using their back legs.

While they may win a few funny looks from passers-by, club members are confident the dogs are having much more fun than a simple walk would provide.

Club co-ordinator Janette Wright said: "We have about half-a-dozen in the club who can skateboard and they seem to love it."

She said members hoped to put on a display at Crufts to encourage other dog-owners to introduce their pooches to the pastime.

The club, offering obedience training and games for dogs, meets on the second Tuesday of every month at West Chiltington Village Hall.

Trainers will begin running a Kennel Club good citizen obedience training course on February 20 for eight weeks, costing £16.

Call Janette Wright on 01798 813474.