Patch is one of the greyhounds needing a home

Greyhound and whippet racing have long been associated with the region.

But now an animal charity wants canine competitors to be found loving homes after they have taken part in their final race.

The Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) is launching a new centre in the North East, which will cover Teesside, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

The North East RGT is an amalgamation of its previous sites at Newcastle's Brough Park and in Sunderland.

Chair of the newly-formed branch Kevin Stow, said: "Both Brough Park and Sunderland branches have done a marvellous job of rehoming dogs in those areas.

'Wonderful dogs'

"Having been located less than 10 miles from each other, the branches have now decided to join together and work as one to further increase the number of greyhounds rehomed in the area.

"We are now planning even more events for people to come along and meet our greyhounds, and see for themselves what wonderful dogs, and pets, they are."

The charity has also called for volunteers to help them find more homes for retired greyhounds.

Mr Stow added: "Despite popular misconceptions greyhounds are gentle and adaptable making them ideal family pets.

"When rehomed responsibly they can live with other pets including cats."

The charity says about 9,000 greyhounds retire from racing each year, typically between four and six years of age.