Aviemore musher John Stewart (pictured) finished third in the biggest sled dog race in the United States outside Alaska.

The former Grantown Grammar School pupil was the highest placed Euro musher ever at the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race in Wyoming.

Lying in sixth place in the early stages of the race, Stewart crept up the field to finish three places higher in the competition, which has a £100,000 purse.

Stewart's finish is a big improvement in the race - known as the Tour de France of sled dog racing - as in his two previous attempts he finished in ninth and tenth place.

The 26-year-old said: "Finishing third I am very happy with the way things went. It was a tough race and congratulations to all the mushers who took part."

He added: "Here's to the start of a fantastic season, may it continue."

Stewart's sled-dog winter season now heads to another 200 mile world championship race in Manitoba, called the Pas, which also carries a big purse.