WHIPPET racing fever gripped crowds at the weekend, with hundreds of enthusiasts from across the country gathering for one of the most prestigious events in the sport's calendar.

The Chudleys Classic English Whippet Derby - the equivalent to horse racing's Grand National - was held for the first time in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The first two days of the three-day event were hailed a resounding success.

Ten-year-old Krystal Bentley, from Peterlee, County Durham, will receive £50 from The Northern Echo after her dog, Buffy - racing name Blue Mouse - was crowned North-East Whippet of the Year.

Krystal said: "She's only a puppy and I didn't think she would do so well.''

Almost 200 dogs battled it out at the Oakleaf Sports Complex at the weekend and a further day of racing is planned for today.

Nobody could beat hot favourite Demolition Blue, which romped home to clinch the overall title.

The dog, raced by Danny Keirs, from Ayr, has been in winning form after claiming the Champion of Champions title at Seaham last week.

Mr Keirs said: "It is a fantastic feeling. She belongs to my mother, Isa, but she had a stroke two months ago and the dog now stays with me. She will be delighted.''

Event organiser Chris Cornish said Newton Aycliffe had done the sport proud.

She said: "Everybody has thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff at the complex have been absolutely brilliant.

"They couldn't do enough for us and Great Aycliffe Town Council have thought of everything.''

Town councillor Alan Courtney said he hoped to welcome the event back to the town in the future.

He said: "We have seen some great racing."

There will be an additional open event today for owners who want to stay another day or who were unable to take part at the weekend.

RESULTS

Champion of Champions: Demolition Blue - Danny Keirs, Ayr; 2, K Sera - Chris Cornish and Paul Jennings, Leicestershire; 3, Hot Mouse - Jimmy Reynolds, Newcastle; 4, Mad Mick - Kev Sunderland, Midlands. 5, Hellbound - Tony Weatherson and Yvonne Ragnoli.

North-East Whippet of the Year, sponsored by The Northern Echo: 1, Blue Mouse - Krystal Bentley, Peterlee.

Main Finals: 40lb, Southern Fox - John and Tracey Martret, Leeds. No Limit, Stormbird - Mark Edmondson, Stockton. Veteran, One To Watch - Tony Cooper, Portsmouth. Puppy, Indian Ink - Joe Winter, Peterlee. Yearling, Lucarnie - Betty and Frank Suttall, Stockton.

Main Consolation Winner: Daylami - Lucy and Arnie Prescott, Carlisle.

Consolation Races: No Limit: Wonderwall - Neil Pendleton, Midlands. 40lb: Simpson - Ritchie Sheil, Midlands; Veteran, Blue Goblin - Gary and Denise Bailey, Newton Aycliffe; Puppy, Mr Presley - Newcastle. Yearling, Suave Dancer - Newcastle