WHIPPET racing is set to return to the region when the premier event in the sport's calendar is staged next month.

Organisers of the All England Whippet Derby were so impressed by the turnout last year in Newton Aycliffe, they have decided to return.

This year's event will be at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex over Easter from Friday, April 18, to Monday, April 21.

The racing is being sponsored by Great Aycliffe Town Council and John Upex Electricals and the finals, including the Derby, will take place on Sunday, April 20.

Coun Alan Courtney, who was instrumental in bringing the event to the North-East, said he was delighted Newton Aycliffe had been chosen to stage the Derby again.

He said: "Racers came in their hundreds from all over the country last year and they had such a good time that they wanted to come back.

"We're expecting a third as many people again than we had last year, with more dogs entered from all over the UK, Ireland and possibly America.

Chris Cornish, editor and publisher of Whippet News, said the decision to return had been easy.

She said: "We had such a great reception, all the whippet racers loved the hospitality and they were asking if we could go back.