DOGS of all shapes and sizes were on show at the weekend in what has been hailed the biggest and best Darlington Championship Dog Show yet.

Thousands of animal lovers descended on the town's South Park for the 33rd annual show, dubbed the Crufts of the North.

In contrast to last year's event, which was marred by bad weather and the fuel crisis, this year's show was blessed with brilliant sunshine and a healthy attendance.

The three-day event saw thousands of dogs of every conceivable breed battling for honours, with owners travelling from all parts of the country.

More than 150 judges, including Swedish and Hungarian experts, were also at the show.

Maureen Hennis, chairwoman of the Darlington Dog Show Society, said last night the event was one of the best she had ever witnessed.

"It has been an absolute triumph. All the hard work and organising really becomes worth it when you see the quality of the dogs on show," she said.

"Thankfully, this year has gone really smoothly and the weather has been brilliant, apart from a downpour late on Sunday. But really, we could not have asked for more.

"This has to be one of the best shows I can remember, and the turnout has been a massive boost for the show and a massive boost for Darlington as a whole."

Among the many varieties of animals on show were a number of rare breeds, including the segugio Italiano, kookerhundje and Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever.

Many of the dogs are veterans of the show, and some have found success in the world's largest dog show, Crufts.

Rita Storey, of South Shields, has been showing animals at the Darlington show for 30 years.

This year her three-year-old pug, Humphrey, collected an award.

She said: "I can't remember a better show than this year. It has been wonderful and it is without doubt a massive bonus for Darlington."