A GREYHOUND track that has become a haven for real ale enthusiasts will celebrate 40 years in family ownership this weekend.

The event, at the Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium, Chester-le-Street, is being marked with a festival of races culminating in a Red Mills Ruby Anniversary Puppy Stakes at 7.15pm tonight - and the launch of two more ales.

Track manager Jeff McKenna said: "The track was built and opened by George Towers in 1944, and taken over by my parents, Joe and Joyce McKenna, in January 1965.

"I have run it with my wife, Theresa, since 1990 and we employ 35 staff."

He said: "We are the largest independent track in the country. People do not have to be professional trainers and can keep their dogs at home. The events are very much family affairs."

The track stages races on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, fielding up to 60 dogs in 11 races and attracting about 400 each time.

The stadium, which last year was voted Camra Club of the Year, is also open during normal bar hours.

Mr McKenna said: "We are getting two beers specially brewed for us by Darwin Brewery at Sunderland.

"The cask ale, called 40 Years Anniversary Ale, is a ruby red, in keeping with the occasion."

For aficionados, the tasting notes say: "Specialist pale and crystal malts combine with cascade hops to provide this full-bodied traditional ale with a strong citrus hop aroma.

"Willamette hops then provide the bitterness which perfectly balances the sweeter fruit flavours in the mouth, ending with a clean, crisp bitterness."