WANTED: runners who are prepared to sprint through up to 18 miles of picturesque Derbyshire countryside with dozens of bloodhounds baying at their heels.

That is the call being put out by the organisers of this year's Four Shires Bloodhounds, which takes place around Ashbourne on Boxing Day.

The annual event sees runners set off ahead of 17 pairs of bloodhounds, who are then tasked with tracking the scent of the athletes – and catching them as soon as possible.

Every year, hundreds of spectators wrap up for the cold and cheer the human quarries as they are pursued across the countryside by the hounds, plus huntsmen on horseback.

Now, veteran runner Andy Best is urging athletes across Derbyshire to sign up and experience one of the county's quirkiest events. He said: "The bloodhounds are joyful and they hunt for praise.

"But for the quarry, the sound of the dogs in hot pursuit ensures they beat their personal best and run even faster.

"It is a fantastic event and something that really has to be experienced to be believed.

"It doesn't matter if the hounds catch you up, because all they do when they find you is run around excitedly and lick you!"

At the start of each hunt, the runners are introduced to the hounds and spend a few minutes petting the dogs, so they can pick up the scent.

Runners are then driven to various starting points on a range of routes and can then set off across the countryside.

Minutes later, the dogs are set loose by the huntsmen and have to find the scent again – and follow it until they catch up with the quarry.

Andy has taken part in Four Shires Bloodhounds hunts for the past three years and will be lacing up his trainers for the run again this time.

He said the most memorable part of the event was the sound the hounds made when they picked up the scent and started gaining.

He said: "All I can describe it as is 'their voice'. They are speaking to each other, leading each other on, and for the runner it is such a fantastic thing to hear."

Simon Carr, who is the master of the Four Shires Bloodhounds, said: "It certainly helps to be a dog lover, as our bloodhounds do like to show their appreciation to their quarry, after they've been caught, with a lick."

Anyone wanting to sign up can contact Andy on 07969 174647 or visit www.4shires. co.uk.