CANINE companions and their intrepid owners will be put to the test in a new series of Me and My Dog: The Ultimate Contest .

Set in the stunning backdrop of the Lakes, the dog eat dog competition will see eight pairings of man and man's best friend battle it out to be crowned champions.

The contestants will be helped by canine scientists and dog trainers to unlock the full potential of their partnership as they em-bark on a series of challenges.
Hosted by naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham, the programme will feature woodland obstacle courses, ghyll scrambling and a dip in Windermere.

Andrew Paterson from Cheltenham, who is competing with his border terrier Betty, credits the Lake District with inspiring him to find his faithful four-legged friend.

He said: "I used to be a keen archer representing Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and competed in tournaments nationally.

"However, in 2009 I contracted a serious bout of swine flu which affected my shooting ability.

"To help myself recover I joined a running club and realised I loved it but missed the camaraderie of having teammates.

"While on holiday in the Lake District I saw people running with border terriers and fell in love with them.

"I came home and found Betty, forming an instant bond and today even my wife believes I love Betty more than her."

The competition will not just feature intense physical challenges but will also explore the science behind the bond between a dog and its owner.

As Chris Packham explains: "This programme is a celebration of a man and animal which has been going for many years but is still as strong today.

"It’s very much a feel-good programme and, for those who have dogs, then there’s a lot to learn with lots of science about how dogs live and how we live with them."

Although Chris may be best known for his appearances of programmes like Springwatch and his love for birds and wildlife, he assures that dogs too hold a special place in his heart.

He said: "I like them as companions, animals and friends and they’ve always played a massive role in my life.

"As a consequence of that I’ve always liked eavesdropping on other people’s relationships with their dogs.

"It’s something that gives me pleasure, seeing them engaging with their animals, building that bond and I have always found that rewarding."

The first episode of Me and My Dog will be aired on April 5 at 8pm on BBC Two.