THOUSANDS of dogs and their owners turned out for the opening day of the region’s premier canine event.

Darlington Dog Show is celebrating its 42nd anniversary, and this year’s event began yesterday at Newby Hall, near Ripon, North Yorkshire.

The three-day gathering, which is a qualifying show for Crufts, has suffered this year from the effects of the recession, with a drop in entry numbers.

However, organisers and judges believe the show, which has been held at Newby Hall for the past six years, will still be a big success.

Sarah Allsopp, show chairwoman, said: “We’ll have about 7,800 entries this year, which will be a shortfall on last year of about 300.

“This has been reflected in many of the other dog shows, but the recession has had an impact.

“People with children have to put them first and hobbies like this have to come second.

“But we have entries from everywhere between John O’Groats and Land’s End.

“The exhibitors have turned up and are showing and everyone seems to be having a good time.”

Among the judges this year is top Hungarian dog judge Tamas Jakkel. Several other judges have journeyed from Scandinavia.

The show takes place in a field behind Newby Hall. It moved after many years of being located in South Park, Darlington.

Entry to the car park costs £10 per vehicle, but entry to the showground is free. The event continues today and tomorrow.

Ms Allsopp said: “We have stalls with doggy goods and stalls without doggy items and people can bring a picnic for a great day.”

Full details and results can be found on the website highampress.co.uk