THE noise is both deafening and distinctive. As the dogs get put in the starting boxes, they begin to howl and bark, eager to stretch their legs down the grass track.

In addition, the spectators - humans and canine alike - join in cheering, barking and howling.

To top off the symphony, the dogs' owners rev up their racers, shouting their names and bellowing encouragement at the Classic English Whippet Derby, held at Oak Leaf Leisure Complex, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

A raised hand, a sharp tug of the ropes to spring open the boxes and, in a blur, the dogs sprint after the lure, a tattered rag on a motorised cable.

The race is over in seconds. A puppy, called Kai Sera, less than 11 months old, took just 9.28 seconds to complete the 160-metre course, and it was hardly out of breath as it rejoined delighted owners Mary and Ray Cahill. from Seaham.

"This is probably the biggest whippet racing event of the year, and it's a great social event too," said Mr Cahill.

"It's a sport which is all about prestige. Whereas people race greyhounds for the money, we do it to win.

"These dogs are people's family pets - they live in the house and race at weekends."

This year saw 206 dogs take part in the competition, with entrants from as far away as Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Most families parked up their caravans in the large field on Thursday evening and will only leave tonight.

Raffles, karaoke and fancy dress were put on in the leisure centre on Saturday evening to keep families entertained.

"We catch up with people we've met through racing whippets here and everyone always really looks forward to this weekend," said Alison Armstrong, secretary of Newton Aycliffe Whippet Racing Club.

"It's a real family affair, and everyone gets involved."

The supreme winner of the Classic Derby was Our Amy, a three-and-a-half-year-old bitch, owned by Paul Jennings and Chris Cornish, from Leicestershire