Husky racing champion Neil Marshall has brought his faithful dogs to the aid of arctic challenger Bonnie Owers.

Bonnie is raising money for a nine-day charity trek through Scandinavia into the Arctic Circle, where she will survive under canvas in temperatures between minus 5C and minus 20C.

However, a plea by the 20-year-old animal behaviour student from Hollingdean in The Argus failed to bring forth any funding.

Mr Marshall, three-times British dog-sledding champion, decided to help Bonnie on her way by giving her a chance to sled with his dogs.

The 41-year-old microelectronics specialist keeps 13 Siberian huskies at his home in Hove.

He put Bonnie through her paces along the dirt-tracks at Friston Forest, near Seaford, in a three-wheeler chariot pulled by Egor, Jenny and Clyde.

Bonnie said: "I had a great time. At first it was a bit scary but once you get used to the feel of it it's an incredible experience.

"The animals are just gorgeous, it has made me even more excited."

Mr Marshall has devoted his life to his dogs since being introduced to them by a former girlfriend six years ago.

He works nights so he can take his beloved pets with him to the office.

The animals eat their way through £150 worth of fresh meat every month and travel in their own specially-adapted Mercedes people carrier.

He said: "Wherever I go, they go."

Bonnie's trip, raising money for the Disabled Living Foundation, could be cancelled unless she can raise the £3,500 sponsorship needed.

Anyone who would like to sponsor her or make a donation can contact her on 01223 526693 or 07866 568663.