HUSBANDS are used to carrying their brides over the threshold.

But the latest wacky innovation at a County Durham racecourse will encourage them to lug their wives over the finishing line.

The first annual wife carrying race will be held at Sedgefield Racecourse at its meeting on Friday, August 6.

The race is a half-furlong dash - about 100 metres - where men will have to carry their wives in whatever manner they think best.

The prize for the first across the winning line - the wife's weight in beer - is sure to raise an interesting dilemma for entrants.

General manager Jim Allen, who came up with the idea, said: "The guy who wants to win a lot of beer needs a heavy wife, but of course that reduces his chance of winning.

"A chap with a lighter wife might be able to get to the finish line quicker, but will win less ale."

Race officials say there will be "no questions asked" about whether couples entering the race are actually married.

Once the winner crosses the line, his wife will be taken to the scales immediately and weighed.

Mr Allen said: "After one of the races we'll invite all chaps who are interested in winning the race to get on the track and carry their wife.

"If it's a success we'll make it an annual event, and hopefully, in a couple of hundred years, it'll rival the Sedgefield ball game."

Mr Allen, the man behind the national Mascot Grand National, has been responsible for introducing many innovations at Sedgefield, including the Miss Durham beauty contest, bingo nights and a ladies' night.