JOCKEYS, trainers, punters and staff have all failed to catch him and even the council dog warden has admitted defeat.

But armed with a tin of dog food - delicious beef chunks in jelly, who could resist? - and a lead and collar, I was determined to succeed where others had failed

Dwain first appeared at Sedgefield Racecourse two months ago. He has since become an unofficial mascot and local celebrity.

Slightly lame and with a wound on his back, the dog reminded racegoers of The Littlest Hobo, the star of an US television programme who wandered the country befriending people in trouble.

Concerned for his well-being, and the safety of horses and riders on race days, staff decided it would be best for everybody if the stray was captured and given to a good home.

But the cautious collie proved impossible to catch, displaying a turn of speed which eventually led to it being named after sprinter Dwain Chambers.

The crafty canine has even foxed local dog catcher Shane Roxby, of Sedgefield Borough Council.

He said: "I've been trying to catch Dwain for a couple of months now, but I can't get within 100 yards of him.

"I thought I'd caught him the other day. I had a big net, but I missed him by a mile. That dog could play for the England rugby team."

A local vet suggested Dwain could be caught by drugging his food so he falls asleep, but staff were worried they would not be able to find him afterwards.

A concerned resident even suggested the somewhat unorthodox method of luring Dwain using a puppy with pork chops tied to its legs.

But Dwain is a maverick, a loner who refuses to play by the rules. He shuns company, bolting at the sight of people, horses or other dogs.

So far would-be captors haven't even managed to capture Dwain's image on film. All that exists is a blurred photograph of the fleet-footed collie as he races away.

In recent weeks, Dwain has ventured into the nearby village, where residents have been leaving bowls of dog food out for him.

He has been spotted following schoolchildren around, snaffling up crumbs as they eat snacks at lunchtime.

His celebrity is such that the Racing Post, the industry's respected newspaper, has run articles on him and even produced a series of cartoons chronicling his adventures.

Now track officials, who have been inundated with offers of a good home, are offering free admission to the racecourse for anyone who succeeds in rounding him up.

Punters will be given free admission to this year's remaining five meetings - on Wednesday, then November 11 and 25, and December 9 and 26.

As for me? Well, Dwain was far too wily for me because, despite my best efforts, he failed to make an appearance, preferring instead to keep a low profile and maintain his cult status.

* How would you catch Dwain? Write and let us know. Send your letters to: Catch the Collie, Andrew White, Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NF.