IN the end, it was a particularly tasty looking pork pie that proved his downfall. After remaining on the run since he was first spotted at Sedgefield Racecourse in July, the game is finally up for Dwain.

The stray dog has become a familiar figure on the course, but has evaded all attempts at capture -until now.

Yesterday morning, the North-East's fastest fugitive stumbled into a trap in the rear garden of a house in the County Durham village.

Acting on information, Sedgefield Borough Council dog warden Shane Roxby picked his spot with care.

After several failed attempts to catch Dwain, Mr Roxby borrowed a large cage from the RSCPA and tried to lure Dwain into it with dog biscuits.

As an extra incentive, he placed dried meat inside the cage and the householder added his own touch, a pork pie.

Yesterday, the trap was sprung and the fugitive was finally behind bars, a little shaken but unharmed.

A triumphant Mr Roxby, who has developed a grudging respect for his quarry, said: "This dog has made a fool out of me for months, but although he won many battles, I have won the war.

"We have had a Tom and Jerry relationship for so long, he has had me over garden fences and everything trying to catch him.

"He was shaking like a leaf, poor thing, because he was so frightened, but he was very nice about the whole thing."

Dwain was last night being cared for at Deerness Kennels, in Langley Moor, near Durham, where he was checked over by Sue Belby, from the nearby Gilmore Veterinary Group.

Staff at the racecourse, who have adopted Dwain as an unofficial mascot, are delighted at his capture after concern for his welfare.

Commercial executive Amy Starkey said: "It is amazing to see him after all this time. We have all met him now and he is so cute."

Dwain will eventually be given to colleague Cassandra Jackson to care for.

Bookmakers BetFred put up a £500 bet as a reward for his capture. The bet will be placed at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium on Friday night, and the council said any winnings will be donated to the RSPCA.

Racecourse staff are hoping Dwain is well enough to be at Sedgefield's next meeting on Tuesday, with the first race at 1.10pm.