Up in the wilds of Nympsfield they are going to the dogs - literally. The village is home to South Cotswolds Whippet Racing Club. SNJ reporter DAVID GIBBS set out in search of the 40mph couch potatoes and their owners.

CHRIS Bishop stands resolute in the Sunday morning drizzle manning the mechanical lure.

Suddenly in the distance the dogs burst from their traps sprinting maniacally after the dirty rag as it speeds across the green, green grass of the Old Commoners' ground.

It is exhilarating and it is over in seconds, the lure slowing after 75 yards for the dogs to catch and snatch at in vain through muzzled mouths before being retrieved by their owners.

Riding an old scooter, club treasurer Gavin Tasker scoops up the lure and returns it to the traps ready for the next race.

At which point veteran whippet racer and club member Julia Cloke enters with Savita leaping shoulder high in race anticipation.

It is no surprise therefore when she tells me later, as we huddle around coffee and biscuits in the commoner's pavilion, that the whippet holds the canine high jump record.

Julia has been part of South Cotswolds Whippet Racing Club since it was founded by Alf and Enid Hayes in the early 1980s and is one of life's great enthusiasts. She has eight whippets at home and a litter just arrived.

"The all live in the house. None of them are kennel dogs," she says, keen to emphasise that the dogs are pets first and foremost.

Whippets look just like miniature greyhounds.

Bred from the bigger dogs as speedy little rabbit hunters later racers, they were known as the poor man's racehorse.

A fitting title for one of the fastest breeds in the world, clocked at 37mph. "They are quicker than a greyhound over about 200 metres," says Julia. "But the greyhound soon catches up."

Renowned for its good nature, the breed lives between 12 and 15 years and makes an excellent pet as the chorus of affirmation erupting from the assembled members of the club attests.

"They're 40mph couch potatoes," says Julia. "They've got wonderful temperaments, are easy to care for and easy to keep."

Liz Tasker, wife to treasurer and scooter rider Gavin, is an unabashed convert to the less demanding whippet after a lifetime of border collies.

"Once they've been out for a walk they will just spend the rest of the day curled up on the settee," she says.

South Cotswold Whippet Racing Club, whose members travel to race meets around the country from Cornwall to Wigan, is a friendly club with around 20 members.

"Any dog up here gets welcomed with open arms," says club secretary Chris Bishop. "And every whippet is welcome to come and race with us. It's just for fun."

For more details call him on 01454 260842 or treasurer Gavin Tasker on 01453 827851.