THOUSANDS of dog lovers from across the country have attended the opening day of the region’s top canine event.

Darlington Dog Show celebrated its 42nd anniversary at Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, with around 8,000 entrants.

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

Judges at the event, which has been held at Newby Hall for six years, still hailed the event a success and felt this year would be good.

A special capture this year for the show is top Hungarian dog judge Tamas Jakkel who has travelled from mainland Europe to the event.

Several other judges had journeyed from Scandinavia to be at the popular event which runs through until Sunday, September 19.

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

She added: "Entry to the car park is £10 per vehicle so all of the family could come for a good day out for just £10.

"We have stalls with doggy goods on and stalls without doggy items and people can bring a picnic for a great day."

Visitors to the opening day of the show on Friday, September 17, suffered delays due to a fatal two vehicle accident on the A1 near to Scotch Corner.

The show is located in a field behind Newby Hall where it moved to after many years located in the South Park, in Darlington.

The show continues today and tomorrow (sat-sun) with entry to the car park £10 but free to the show ground.

Details on the show and the results can be found on the website www.highampress.co.uk.