DOG flyball racing could soon become a regular sight at Sling Lane, Malvern, with teams of dogs competing in relays.

Agility trainer Sally Hopkins wants to start a dog flyball club, meeting once a week on Tuesday evenings.

She suggested holding the races on Dukes Meadow but town council officers thought the middle of the Sling Lane open space would be more suitable, as Dukes Meadow is surrounded by houses.

Holding more events at Sling Lane would have the effect of increasing casual supervision of the site and help reduce vandalism there, said town clerk Stuart McDonough.

Pet dogs of all sizes and breeds can compete in teams of four, racing side by side in two lanes, each with four jumps and a flyball box at the far end.

The dogs race in relays, each triggering the pedal of the flyball box as they reach the end of the lane. A tennis ball is then released for the dog to catch and return to its owner.

Ms Hopkins, who belongs to the Hindlip flyball team that qualified for Crufts this year, plans to use British Flyball Association boxes.

"They are less spectacular than the Crufts boxes but safer because they deliver the ball into the dog's mouth and it does not have to jump up for it," she said.

She plans to train dogs and handlers individually in her own back garden before getting them together in teams.

"It's simple behavioural training and once the dog has been trained I hope handlers will commit themselves to one weekend day a month to go to competitions," she said.

"It's fun for the dog and develops team spirit and a good social atmosphere between humans."

Members of Malvern Town Council's management committee recommended giving the idea a six-month trial, after being assured that poop scoops would be used to keep the area clean.

Anyone interested in flyball can visit the BFA website at www.flyball.org.uk. Those wishing to take part should e-mail sally.hopkins@ wedderburn.u-net.com or call her on 01684 569553.