Dog walkers have been warned to keep their pets under control after a runner was bowled over by a loose labrador in Skipton Woods.

Archaeologist Tim Taylor was knocked head over heels by the animal as he ran through the woods on his morning keep-fit session.

“I saw the dog in the distance and was wary because I’ve suffered similar incidents in the past,” he said.

“It bombed straight at me, hit me in the midriff and I bowled over, landing on my hands.

“I saw a young woman and shouted to keep her dog under control. She replied she was really sorry.

“I didn’t want to carry it on so I ran on but it’s an example of how dog owners think they can just let their animals run completely our of control.”

Dr Taylor, who works at the University of Bradford and is a member of Craven Naturalists and Scientific Association, said incidents like that were likely to put off young families with toddlers.

A spokesman for the Woodland Trust, which oversees the development of Skipton Woods, said dogs should be adequately trained and should behave properly if let off a lead.

“We expect people to follow the Countryside Code at all times which includes keeping dogs under effective control. This means that you keep your dog on a lead, or keep it in sight at all times, be aware of what it’s doing and be confident it will return to you promptly on command and ensure it does not stray off the path or area where you have a right of access.”