THE North-East has attracted a big national sporting event - the All England Whippet Derby.
The whippet equivalent of horse racing's Grand National will be held on fields in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, over the Easter weekend, on April 14 and 15.
More than 200 dogs and owners, and thousands of spectators from around the world, are expected to attend this premier event in the whippet racing calendar.
Organiser Chris Cornish said the event regularly attracts visitors from the US.
She said: "It hasn't got the cloth cap image that used to be portrayed. There are a lot of doctors, dentists and that type of people who are owners now."
Alan Courtney, deputy leader of Great Aycliffe Town Council, was instrumental in bringing the event to the town.
He hopes the two-day meeting, at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex, will help to put Newton Aycliffe on the sporting map.
He said: "Newton Aycliffe is a big town, but we never bring any events here really. If we can bring the All England Whippet Derby here, maybe we can attract some other sports."
The town council's recreation committee is to discuss details of the event next Tuesday.
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