DOG racing fans from across England and Scotland descended on the region at the weekend to attend a 300-year-old family sporting event with its roots in the North-East.

Up to 200 whippets and their owners travelled to the North-East for the Great Aycliffe Town Council Classic All England Whippet Derby.

Held at Oak Leaf Sports Complex, at Newton Aycliffe, near Darlington, the event has become the biggest fixture on the whippet racing calendar.

Organiser Chris Cornish said: "Last year, we hit a high with entrants and spectators and this year has been similar.

"We are always made to feel very welcome and more local people are starting to get interested."

For the uninitiated, whippet racing could appear to be the poorer sister of greyhound racing. But, Ms Cornish's partner and fellow organiser, Paul Jennings, said people who stay loyal to the sport take part for the fun more than the competition.

He said: "Whippet racing is much more a family sport and the dogs are pets. They are all highly trained to race, but I'd say most sleep in the house or even on an owner's bed.

"Kids get involved. There isn't betting and it is a great atmosphere. We have a really good laugh at this event."

Great Aycliffe Town Council leader Malcolm Iveson said: "This event brings a lot of people to the town and a lot of credit because it is very popular.

"It is clear from the atmosphere that it gives a lot of people a lot of pleasure and we are really pleased to host the biggest whippet event.

"Not a lot of people know much about it and we like to support minority or growing sports."

Chris and Anthony Hors-nall, of Nottinghamshire, enjoyed victory for the second successive year after their dog, See Spot Run, won the Derby Supreme title.

Other main winners were - Puppy Supreme: Ones Mustic, Tony and Sue Cooper, Portsmouth; Yearling: Our Amy, Chris Cornish and Paul Jennings, Leicestershire; Veteran: Biddy, Val and George Haggart, Scotland; Scratch: Bully Beef, Kevin Sunderland, Mansfield.