PREPARATIONS are under way for a popular dog show, with thousands of preened pooches of more than 140 breeds set to take centre stage.

Darlington Dog Show, which has taken place every year since the 1860s, will be held month.

The show has a new venue for this year and will be held at Ripon racecourse, in North Yorkshire, from September 13 to 15.

It acts as a qualifying event for the world-famous Crufts competition, which returns in March next year.

The dogs will be shown over three days, with hound, terrier and utility groups on the Friday, working and pastoral groups the day after, and the gundog and toy groups on the Sunday.

Dogs at the show will be hoping to get their paws on the coveted Best in Show prize, as well as Best Puppy in Show for the youngsters of 6-18 months, and Best Veteran in Show for the more experienced dogs, aged seven years or more.

Most breeds of dog that are registered with the Kennel Club will be shown.

Breeds are also now being kept close to the rings that they are being shown in, to enhance efficiency of the show.

New ‘in-and-out’ rings are being provided, which provide a sheltered show floor along with the traditional outdoor section, so that the Great British weather will not hinder the show.

Entrance is free to the show for the public, with a £10 parking fee for vehicles of any size, and spectator dogs are welcome for a £12 fee per dog, per day.

A selection of fast food outlets will be present at the show, along with a restaurant and bar.

Trade stands are also available at the show, which sell a wide range of products for both dogs and their owners.

Schedules for the show are available online at darlingtondogshowsociety.weebly.com, or by calling either 0191-4162606 or 0191-5810381.

:: The Northern Echo has three parking passes for the show, which are valid for all show days and include entry to the event, to give away. To enter, simply send your name and address, along with a stamped addressed envelope, to Andy Walker, The Northern Echo, PO Box 14, Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NF. Entries must be received by Monday, September 9.