ABOUT 9,000 pedigree dogs will be exhibited in the region next month for the North's biggest annual show.

Darlington Society's Championship Dog Show will take place in South Park, Darlington, from Friday to Sunday, September 13 to 15.

As exhibitors travel from all over the UK, as well as from Ireland and across Europe to show their dogs, a team of 150 judges will come from as far afield as the US, Israel and Finland.

With classes open to all of the usual breeds, there will also be a chance to see rare dogs, such as the Hungarian Kuvasz, Bracco Italiano, Kooikerhondje and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

During the ten-day run-up to the show, a "village" will be built to accommodate the thousands of exhibitors, as well as public stands and trade stands on the site.

The show will be opened at 9.30am on the Friday by Councillor Doris Jones, Mayor of Darlington.