THE premier event in the national whippet racing calendar is coming to Newton Aycliffe next year, it has been confirmed.

Great Aycliffe Town Council has agreed that the Classic England Whippet Derby will be held in the town on the first weekend in June.

The races take place between Saturday, June 1, and Tuesday, June 4.

There is an extra bank holiday that weekend to commemorate 50 years since the Queen came to the throne.

The event was due to be held in Newton Aycliffe this Easter, but restrictions caused by the foot-and-mouth outbreak meant it had to be first postponed, then eventually cancelled.

But organisers were so impressed by the facilities at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex that they pledged to return.

Councillor Alan Courtney was instrumental in bringing the event, sponsored by the council and John Upex Electricals, to the town.

He said: "This is very good news for the town because it has never been held here before. Everything that was put in place for last year is going ahead.

"The response has been very good and we are expecting a big attendance from dog owners all over Great Britain and Ireland."