THE image most people have of greyhound racing is that of a man with a flat cap, a dog and a pint in hand.

But it is a stereotype that has changed over the years, and few have done more to transform the sport than the McKenna family.

Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium, at Drum Road, Chester-le-Street, which is celebrating 40 years in their hands, has expanded from a tin shed to include three bars, a bistro and restaurant.

While racing is still central to the stadium, devotees can quaff champagne and enjoy food from an a la carte menu and there is something for the whole family.

After having been an independent track for decades, the present owner, Jeff McKenna, has decided to take a step up the ladder by joining the National Greyhound Racing Club (NGRC).

For Mr McKenna, the sport is in his veins, with early memories of helping his late father, Joe, muck out in the kennels.

Mr McKenna snr, from Birtley, had always been a keen greyhound racer, and became a bookmaker at the Gosforth and Gateshead tracks with his brother, Tom.

In 1965, he bought the Pelaw Grange stadium from George Towers, who established the track just after the Second World War.

Son Jeff said: "With my mother, Joyce, who is still a big help at the track, they really put the place on the map and knew everyone.

"In those days, their only facility, besides the track, was a tin shed.

"Dog racing was very much restricted by gambling laws at that time.

"They were only allowed 110 meetings a year, which were held twice a week in the winter and three times in the summer, with only eight races a meeting.

"Changes in laws in the late 1980s allowed for growth."

His wife, Theresa, who manages marketing and entertainment for the stadium, said: "Being a small club makes us more personable.

"While dogs remain the focus, we have moved into entertainment so that there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

"Rather than it being just a track and one man and his dog, people can come and have an a la carte dinner and enjoy champagne, as well.

"And, rather than having painted floorboards, we have made it somewhat more comfortable."

Pelaw Grange now stages races from 7.30pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with 60 dogs taking part every evening.

After the excitement of the races, punters are able to enjoy replays of the races on video.

The course attracts 80 trainers, some with up to 30 dogs, from throughout the region, including North Yorkshire and Dumfriesshire.

Mr McKenna said: "For the past 40 years, we have been an independent, or flapping, track, where people can keep their dogs at home and come to race their dogs as and when they want.

"We have always kept it up to NGRC standards, but have decided to formally join.

"There won't be many obvious changes to the casual racegoer, but it will mean we will be putting Pelaw Grange on the greyhound racing map at the highest level.

"I guess it's the equivalent of going from non-league football to joining the big boys' division. It's an exciting time."

Mr McKenna said trainers would still be able to have their dogs at home and yet compete with the big boys at the Sunderland stadium, for example.

Adding to the prestige of the move, he has appointed Graeme Henigan, former racing manager at Wimbledon, to take over the running of racing at the club.

Mr McKenna said: "I couldn't have picked a better racing manager.

"Having been in the sport his whole life, he has a wealth of experience and has close links with the NGRC. He has big plans for the future."

Mr Henigan, who arrived a fortnight ago and is bringing his family from London, said: "I have been really impressed by the standards of the club. It is a really professional outfit.

"The facilities and the running surface are as good as, if not better than, some established NGRC-rule clubs.

Mr Henigan said that, while expanding and improving the facilities, Pelaw Grange would retain the grassroots character which makes it so popular.

* To mark the 40th birthday, a gala sixties party will be held at 6.30pm on Monday.

Mr McKenna said: "Unfortunately, we can't charge just 9p for the beer, as it was in 1965, but will let anyone in free wearing sixties gear.

"We are also appealing for some people with memories of the old days, so we will hopefully welcome back some old friends on the night."

Anyone interested in the club can call 0191-410 2141.