Slinky salukis, limber Labradors and quick-paced collies are being invited to put their best paw forward in canine sporting spectacular.

The Dog Olympics is returning to Filby after a successful inaugural event in 2012 - held to coincide with the London Games - and will once again put pooches through their paces in a series of sporting disciplines.

Events for four-legged competitors will include relay, sprint, hurdles, long jump and gymnastics while their two-legged handlers will take part in archery. Their combined scores from each event will be added up with the team earning the most scooping the gold medal.

There will also be prizes for second and third place and every competitor will receive a medal for taking part.

The canine games have been organised by Bernadette Stubbings, a long time supporter of Faith Animal Rescue, based in Hickling, and all proceeds from the event will be donated to the charity.

Bernadette said: 'It was brilliant in 2012, everybody loved it and said they wanted to do it again - we couldn't wait until 2016!

'Lots of people came last time, the competitions were good and people had a lots of fun, it's really back by popular demand.

'Nobody else does anything like this in the area.'

Paralympic swimmer and dog owner Jessica-Jane Applegate will officially open the games, complete with torch, at 9.45am on August 23.

And she will not be the only VIP making an appearance as record breaking tight-rope-walking dog Ozzy and his handler Nick Johnson from Norwich will also be giving a demonstration at lunchtime.

Alongside the games, there will be other active sessions for furry friends to take part in. A huge dog show will be running throughout the day as well as have-a-go agility and flyball sessions.

There will also be plenty of activities for their handlers and two-legged visitors including have-a-go archery sessions, a car boot corner, various stalls and tombolas, all in aid of Faith.

Places for the games are limited to 40 but Bernadette said dogs entering do not have to be super fit.

'It really is all about having fun,' she added. 'Last time we had everything from a 13-year-old staffie with an 80-year-old lady to a racing greyhound.

'It's a big, family day out.'

Entries are now open and Bernadette said she was particularly keen to receive forms on behalf of three-legged dogs as she would like to run a Dog Paralympics alongside the games.

For more details about the Dog Olympics and how to enter your pooch visit the Faith Animal Rescue Facebook page and click on upcoming events. Entry forms are available from the rescue centre in Stubb Road, Hickling.