Carlisle's economy is getting a spring boost - with thousands of motorsport fans flocking to the Pirelli International Rally.

Almost 140 crews, a record entry for recent years, have been arriving in the city for the opening round of the 2018 MSA Prestone British Rally Championship.

The action started yesterday at H&H Borderway Mart at Rosehill when the cars were checked over and the drivers signed on.

This morning the first Historic crew had an early start from H&H at 7.30am, while the British Championship crews left Pirelli’s factory on Dalston Road at about 10.15am.

The rally's special stages are all located in the Kielder Forest complex, where there is parking facilities for spectators. The rally is finishing with a ceremony in Brampton where the first car is due at about 6.30pm.

A carnival atmosphere is promised in Brampton, with loads of attractions at the rally finish, including street entertainment, a giant 60ft TV screen to see the rally action, a barbeque and free giveaways from Pirelli and Prestone.

The rally, which is a key fixture in Cumbria's sporting calendar, usually starts from Carlisle and returns to Brampton after drivers battle it out at Kielder Forest.

Brampton sits on the route and has previously been included in the rally.

Wayne Kirkham, chairman of the Brampton and District Business
Wayne Kirkham Association, said: "We are all very excited about this event.

"It draws in a lot of people and the businesses really get on board.

"They put up the posters and then ask the organisers for bunting so they can decorate their windows.

"The event is now embedded in the Brampton calendar.

"All we can hope for now is that the weather stays kind."

The long established event is also the opening round of the 2018 MSA Prestone British Rally Championship, attracting it’s usual strong field including three former winners of the event.

The rally is also a round of the MSA Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship and this part of the event has attracted almost 80 entries, again with many former winners in the field, while the FIA Celtic Trophy will see a strong contingent who are taking part in that series.