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

The Darlington Championship Show takes place from tomorrow to Sunday and organisers are hoping to avoid the problems it suffered last year.

Entries are up about 500 on last year, when the event was hit by both the fuel crisis and muddy conditions, 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 Passports for Pets scheme was already in action last year, there were only three entries from the Continent. However, this year that figure should easily be surpassed.

After last year's weather problems, the society has paid for improvements to be carried out to 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, tomorrow, 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.

The public are being warned that they will not be allowed to take their own pets on to the showground, in accordance with Kennel Club rules.

The police have also said that the there could be major traffic congestion and parking problems in the town during the show.

They are not planning to close any roads for the event, but people living in Bedford Street and Victoria Embankment are being asked to use 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.