THOUSANDS of canine lovers are due to converge on the region from around Europe this weekend for the region's biggest dog show.

The prestigious Darlington Championship Show is set to take place from Friday to Sunday and organisers are hoping to avoid the problems which dogged it last year.

Entries this year are up some 500 on last year, when the event was hit by both the fuel crisis and poor weather, which damaged the ground.

Maureen Hennis, chairman of the Darlington Dog Show Society, which runs the event, said: "We hope for a very successful show with lots of happy exhibitors and welcome the general public to see some of the best dogs, not only from this country, but also from Europe."

Although the new Passports for Pets scheme was in action last year, there were only three entries from the continent. However, this year that figure is expected to be quite high.

After last year's weather problems, the society have paid for improvements to be carried out on the ground and precautions have been put in place to keep vehicles off the grass.

Among the rare breeds to be shown this year will be the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and Segugio Italiano, on Friday, the Bergamasco, Dogue de Bordeaux, Finnish Lapphund and Russian Black on Saturday and the Bracco Italiano, Kooiker Londje, Coton de Tulear and German Longhaired Pointer.

Making its debut at the event will be the Spanish Water Dog.

Members of the public are warned they will not be allowed to take their own pets onto the showground, in accordance with Kennel Club rules.

And police have warned the public there could be major traffic congestion and parking problems in the town during the show.

Police are not planning to close any roads for the event, but people living in Bedford Street and Victoria Embankment are being asked to operate a one-way system to reduce congestion.

Drivers are also advised to leave extra time for their journeys.

Judging starts at 9.30am each day.