A Falmouth boatbuilder and his dog could represent the UK in a slightly unusual sport after wowing other participants in their first ever race.

Professional handyman Wayne Booth, 52, and his dog Joanah - known as Toobs - tasted success the first time they took to the track at a competitive bikejor event - a sport in which a cyclist and dog race cross country while tethered together using a special harness.

After finishing minutes ahead of other competitors at the Flat Out on All Paws event at Siblyback Lake, organised by Canicross Cornwall, Wayne and Toobs were asked by the organisers to apply to attend the European Canicross and Bikejoring Championships in Prague in October.

What's more, Wayne said, he managed to achieve all of this without the usual kit, using a borrowed bike and dog harness, and wearing work boots, work trousers and a wooly jumper.

He said: "I can hardly believe it. We just went out in our borrowed equipment and did our best. No one is more surprised than me for doing as well as we did, but it certainly helped with the support of the organisers Calvin and Helen, my friends and girlfriend, who fed me and kept me going, and, of course, my very fast dog Toobs."

Likening his chance to compete on the European stage to Eddie the Eagle and his underdog Olympic attempt, Wayne said: "What an honour, I now have to raise the money to buy a proper bike, harness, and equipment to meet the strict British Sleddog Sports Association International regulations, and somehow raise the entry fee."

After learning about the sport over Christmas, Wayne and his six year-old border collie companion joined Canicross Cornwall and attended only a handful of training sessions before the event, although Toobs has been towing Wayne's bike and trailer for three years on Cornwall's roads.

With the club, and trainers Calvin and Helen, he learnt the basics needed to be safe, to look after the welfare of dog and rider, and was able to borrow the harnesses and a bike.

He was in Falmouth performing with his band on the Friday night before the event, and took part in the race on four hours sleep, without having even seen the 5km race circuit.

He crossed the line on the first day in 11 minutes and 10 seconds, a minute ahead of the nearest competitor, and the next morning the team knocked a whole minute from their first time in to complete the course in 10 minutes 10 seconds.

To help with his European attempt, Wayne has started a Facebook Page called Underdogs - Team Toobs.

Anyone wishing to follow, support or sponsor Wayne and Toobs in their effort to represent Great Britain can get in touch through Facebook or by emailing underdogsteamtoobs@gmail.com