Taking part in CaniCross has been cited by a formerly overweight woman as key to her new fitness regime.

Amanda Harris told the Henley Standard she took up the sport after becoming embarrassed at the size she had ballooned to and developing a desire for a "complete lifestyle change".

She already spent plenty of time with dogs in her day job at walking firm Henley Doggy Day Care, but decided to take up the sport after being encouraged by her mother.

"It’s nice to be able to move about more and not feel out of breath. I just feel so much better," she told the news provider.

She has also altered her diet and joined NHS slimming classes to get back into shape.

Earlier this month, NWCN.com columnist Dr Cary Waterhouse suggested running with a dog offers people unique encouragement for getting into shape.

He said animals can sometimes offer better support than humans when it comes to mustering up the enthusiasm for a run.