CROWDS flocked to enjoy racing at a North-East course today for the first Boxing Day meet in four years.

Staff at Sedgefield Racecourse hosted seven jump races and attracted a large crowd.

The last Boxing Day meet at the County Durham venue was in 2008 but since then snow and other problems have meant no further racing on December 26.

Melissa Hogan, the racecourse’s commercial manager, said: “We fought and fought to have racing back at Sedgefield on Boxing Day.

“We’re just so glad it has happened. The turn-out today has been brilliant and it’s really, really busy.

“It’s proven to be a success and we have managed to guarantee racing at Sedgefield for the next three years too.”