ABOUT 9,000 dogs have been entered for the region's biggest dog show this month.

This year's Darlington Dog Show Society's Championship Show will be held on September 16, 17 and 18.

The event is being held for the first time at Newby Hall, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, because Darlington's South Park is being refurbished.

Show committee vice chairwoman Sarah Allsopp urged dog lovers to go along.

She said: "The show is one of the most important of its type in the North of England.

"There will be every conceivable type of pedigree dog,

"Exhibitors will be travelling from every corner of Great Britain, as well as some from abroad."

Friday is set aside for the hounds, terriers and utilities, with bloodhounds, cairn terriers and dalmatians some of the dogs on show.

On Saturday, it is the turn for the working and pastoral classes to enter the ring.

The working group includes the boxer and the Portuguese water dog.

The bearded collie and the old English sheepdog are both members of the pastoral class.

On the last day, it is the turn of the gundogs and toys to go before the judges.

Once the winners are decided from each group, there will be further judging to decide the best in show.

Before judging begins each day, a parade of native British and Irish vulnerable breeds will take place, hosted by international judge and BBC commentator Frank Kane.

Show secretary Freda Marshall is hoping the show will be one of the best ever. She said: "We are expecting the show to be a huge success. We have an increase of around 450 dogs taking part this year. This is the third year in a row we've had an increase."

Yesterday, York Canine Association visited Newby to inspect the venue.

To get to the show, take junction 49 off the A1 and follow the signposts to Newby Hall. Judging starts at 9.30am.

Admission is £5 for adults and £3 for concessions. Car parking costs £4. Only dogs entered for the show are allowed on the showground.