The father of an Iditarod racer has commended his financers for their "very generous" donation to the project.

Alan Stewart, father of Scottish sled dog enthusiast John, thanked the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort for its backing of the rookie.

John is currently training with former champion Doug Swingley in Montana as he looks ahead to a tilt at the title at the March 6th 2010 event.

Alan told the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald: "It’s great to see and to have a local company involved with this 2010 racing venture."

In October, John was interviewed by the news provider and backed his "high calibre" sled dog team for success.

The 24-year-old suggested getting in the "right state of mind" will be a key factor in his progress.

He said extreme environments are "my way of life", adding the competition will just be another day at the office for him.

The ten to 16-day race takes place over a 1,000-mile course between Anchorage and Nome in Alaska.