THE spotlight was on four legs rather than two as the region's biggest dog show took centre stage at the weekend.

Thousands of dogs and their owners, from all over the country, were in Darlington for the town's championship dog show.

The show, which was extended to three days instead of the usual two, is considered by many to be second only to Crufts.

And, although numbers were down due to a combination of the weather and the fuel crisis, most agreed the standard was as good as ever.

Show chairwoman Maureen Hennis said: "The dogs have been of an extremely high standard.

"Generally, the show has been very successful, considering the problems we have had."

About 3,000 people passed through the gates of the event, at the South Park showfield, during the three days.

They saw 10,000 entries in seven different groups - hound, terrier, utility, working, pastoral, gundog and toy.

The eventual best in show winner was two-year-old Norfolk terrier Jaeva Dutch Gold, known as Eric, owned by breeder Martin Phillips and handler Andrew Gullick.

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Dot Long, presented prizes to the winners.

She said: "This show brings a great deal of prestige to the town and people come from all over the world to it.

"I've very much enjoyed being here at such an important event."

Police said that they were pleased at how smoothly the show had gone over the three days.

PC Dave Duncan, of Darlington police, said: "Last year, we had a number of thefts reported of handbags and grooming equipment.

"But, this year, no crimes have taken place on the showfield and it has been very successful.

"We've also found that, with the event being spread over three days, the traffic travelling in has been lighter and a lot more manageable."

Preparations are about to get under way towards staging next year's championship show.

A meeting of the Darlington Dog Show Society is expected to decide whether it continues as a three-day event or reverts back to the traditional two days.