Doggies bag festive job ferrying Christmas trees on Cannock Chase
[gallery] Festive families flocked to Cannock Forest to pick up their Christmas trees – and meet some very special guests.
A pack of gorgeous Newfoundland dogs helped people transport the trees around the site and to their cars.
The animals, which weigh up to 12 stones, towed the trees in special little carts and raised money for the Midlands Air Ambulance via donations.
The approach with a difference helped to draw in and delight the crowds. Site manager Andy Coggins said: "The public were absolutely thrilled and the dogs were beautiful." The web-footed breed, known as Newfies, were once used as working dogs by Canadian fishermen pulling nets from the sea because of their impressive swimming skills.
They are also used as water rescue dogs, with one being credited for saving Napoleon when he fell over-board while escaping from Elba in 1815.
Volunteers from the air ambulance charity are due to remain at the forest throughout the month to help carry trees and get more donations.
