Malcolm Wilson rally returns to the Lake District

Hundreds of motorsport enthusiasts are expected to flock to the Lake District for the return of the Malcolm Wilson Rally.

About 120 cars will be taking part across two stages on Friday night and five daytime ones on Saturday.

The events, which cover routes between Cockermouth and Penrith, form part of the BTRD championship.

Sponsor Malcolm Wilson said it is the last remaining national event of this kind in the area.

All trails at Whinlatter Forest will be closed to the public on Friday as the event introduces night stages for the first time, adding driving in complete darkness to the challenge of navigating forest tracks.

Grizedale Forest's west tracks will also be closed on Friday and Saturday to allow for the daytime section of the competition to take place.

Mr Wilson, who is a former driver with more than 40 years of experience at World Rally Championship level, said he was proud to bring an event with such profile to the area.

"It brings a tremendous amount of revenue into West Cumbria at a time of year where we're not full of tourists, so I think it's good for local trade."

The rally is organised by Morecambe Car Club, Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club and West Cumbria Motorsport Club and starts from M-Sport in Dovenby, near Cockermouth.

Spectator areas are available at all stages of the race except for Greystoke and parking restrictions are in place.

The first car will set off at 19:00 GMT and it is due at Comb at 19:33 and at Hobcarton at 19:49.

On Saturday, the first car will leave M-Sport at 08:30 and finish the event at Penrith Farmers Auction at 15:30.

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