Sled dog racing has a new fan, thanks to its combination of excitement and simplicity.

Mirror writer Emily Nash was recently sent off to report on the tourist attractions of the freezing cold north of Norway.

In addition to seeing the Northern Lights and staying in an ice hotel, she was given an exhilarating introduction to sled dog racing.

With experienced musher Erik Nilsen in charge, Ms Nash began with a ride as a passenger before being given the opportunity to take control of a five-husky team speeding on the ice-covered Alta river.

And it was an experience she loved.

"I very quickly learned how I could apply the brakes using my whole bodyweight. And once I’d got a taste for the thrilling speed, there was no stopping me … or them," the journalist explained.

The Finnmark area of northern Norway visited by Ms Nash is a popular location with sled dog racers. Husky safaris are one of the region’s main winter tourist attractions and Finnmark also hosts a major sled dog race.