RACECOURSE staff concerned for the welfare of a stray dog are offering a reward for its capture.

The black and white collie has been wandering around Sedgefield Racecourse for almost two weeks, but has evaded all attempts at capture.

Staff at the course have become quite attached to the dog, which they have named Dwain, after British sprint star Dwain Chambers.

They fear the dog, which is lame, has been abandoned and believe it is sleeping on the course.

Now they have offered a reward of free entry to race meetings at the course until the end of the year for anyone who can catch the dog.

Commercial executive Amy Starkey said: "We left some food out for him the other night and it is all gone, but it is very hard to ascertain whether he ate it, because we get foxes and all sorts in the night.

"We assume he's still sleeping here, but we know he has ventured out into the village."

A home has been found for the dog and the National Canine Defence League has also shown an interest.

Miss Starkey said: "Dwain is getting lamer, bless him, and he's hungry and really tired now, but we still can't catch him."

Anyone able to help is asked to contact Jim Allen, Kathryn Daines or Miss Starkey at the course on (01740) 621925.