PAWS were the power behind a schoolboy's marathon efforts to gather materials in the Wyre Forest for a children's Christmas decoration-making session next Friday.

Paul Wilde, 12, from Stourport was delighted when husky racer Wayne Barnes offered him a lift on his four-dog rig. Paul's father Andy, the chef at the Wyre Forest Visitor Centre restaurant, has asked him to collect materials from the wood.

Paul, a pupil at Lickhill Middle School said: "It was fantastic charging through the woods - the huskies are so strong."

Mr Barnes, a forestry worker from Bewdley said his dogs Levi, Suka, Panda and Kizzy were pleased to help out.

His husky team takes part in competitions all over the country and can pull the rig at 20 miles per hour. The Christmas decorations workshop is from 2pm until 4pm. Bookings are being taken on 01299 266929.