POPPING to the corner shop for groceries is especially difficult when the roads and pavements are choked with snow, writes Chris Saunderson.

Walking is not an easy option, taking the car could be a nightmare and even a 4x4 is no guarantee you will not get stuck.

However, if you have your own team of husky dogs and a sled to carry the shopping bag it is a different story.

RAF serviceman Rob McLennan improvised when he needed a pint of milk and a few other essentials from his local store in Lhanbryde at the weekend. He simply shouted "mush" and three of his husky dogs did the rest.

Knee deep in snow around his house in the village, the experienced sled dog racer admitted the current conditions are ideal for his chosen sport. And if they can help with everyday tasks like getting to the shops all the better.

Rob, who races the dogs with partner Britny Alfonzetti, made the short journey for provisions with relative ease.

"There was a guy waiting for a bus who stayed with the dogs while I went in for my shopping. He was stood there taking pictures of them," he said. "The dogs go mental the minute they see the snow. They just love it and there must be something in their DNA."

Rob, who works at RAF Kinloss, and his dogs will be in action at a local event in the Darnaway Forest this weekend, as they build up to the Siberian British Husky Club event at Aviemore in January.

Before then, you might see him at a local store near you, if he runs out of milk.