DOG lovers have enjoyed a weekend of top-class competition to find the best in class for pooches large and small.

The Darlington Dog Show concluded yesterday at Ripon Racecourse. Over the three day event more than 7,000 dogs and their owners descended on the venue in a bid to battle it out for best in show. Out of categories for best gun dog, utility, hound, terrier, toy, working, and pastoral, the best of the best were selected by top judges.

Chairman Sarah Allsopp said the show had been a great success.

“The weekend has gone delightfully. The dogs are up on last year and everyone has been buzzing with happiness,” she said.

“We have also had the Pedigree Paws United walk, which is a fundraising walk for various charities, set up by 2013 Crufts winner Gavin Robertson. They will finish the walk today at the show and we are excited to see them.”

During September 12 to 18, dog owners, breeders, judges and dog show exhibitors will take part in the Pedigree Paws Unite event, a series of sponsored walks totalling 160 miles which aims to raise awareness and promote every recognised pedigree dog breed in the UK.

The show is one of the qualifiers for Crufts.