DOG owners and their pets can ramp up their fitness levels together with the help of a new dog activity trail.

It has been designed to help owners and their dogs bond, interact and have fun together while getting fit at the same time and with ten standalone obstacles to have a go at, it is sure to put fitness levels to the test.

The new project is an initiative created by the Forestry Commission, the Kennel Club and dog agility experts and the Thorndon Park site will be the third of its kind in the country.

The trail itself was built by the Thorndon Guardians, who were eager to share the idea with residents and their pets and voted in favor of its installation in the park following positive feedback from users of the other sites around the country.

Graham Hart, Thorndon Guardians chairman, said: “It wasalot of fun and a privilege to work with the other members. Everyone really got involved, it was great.”

Yvonne Jepson, from Shenfield, took her golden retriever Millie around the course, which includes obstacles based on those used in dog agility competitions, such as jumps, weaves, an A-frame, tunnel and a log walk.

She said: “We had a lot of fun doing the trail. Whatafabulous facility to have locally.”

The 500m-long course is free to use and will officially open on Sunday, April 26, at 10.30am.

The trail can be started at either end and the two starting points can be seen from Thorndon Park South Cafe.

The trail runs around the edge of the field.

Anyone interested in joining the Thorndon Guardians, who work alonside park rangers to plan projects such as the dog trail, should visit thorndonguardians.co.uk