THE Malcolm Wilson Rally has the green light to go-ahead this autumn after its postponement on March 3 due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The new date set is October 6 and the high-profile event will include the usual quality mileage within the Lakes Forests.

Renewed preparations for the rally began after consultations with the National Park Authority, the Forestry Commission and MAFF.

One change to previous years will be that some of the stages will run in the opposite direction due to logging activity which has exposed several potential 'short-cuts' along the route.

Traditional mileage in the Whinlatter Complex in the north Lakes is included before a late-morning trip to Grizedale Forest, returning to the rally's Cockermouth base via the north Lakes complex.

The event opens with the popular start from Cockermouth town centre and nation-wide entry is ensured with competition for the BTRDA series, incorporating the Clear Systems Solutions Gold Star and Team Challenge, the Dunlop Silver Star Championship and the raceandrally.com 1400 Championship.

Regulations and entry forms are available (send sae) from Ian Wright, 7 Byron Avenue, Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth LA5 8HN.

Volunteeers interest in helping out on the day can contact Katy Mashiter at katy.motorsport@virgin.net or Steve Dunning on 01539 624418.