THE 43rd MALCOLM Wilson Rally will take place next month - with a special event in Cockermouth the day before the competition.

Cars will set off from M-Sport's Dovenby headquarters on Saturday, March 9.

The previous day, spectators can see what goes on before the event with vehicles being scrutineered on Main Street, from 2pm.

Mr Wilson said: "A first for the area is to scrutineer on the Main Street in Cockermouth - it is hoped that this will bring the event to the local population and create a celebratory atmosphere in town.

"This is made possible by the support of the Cockermouth Town Council and Allerdale Borough Council."

Vehicles will be under flood lights until 9pm, spectators will be able to see them go through the safety and compliance checks.

"M-Sport will have their WRC car on display together with a merchandising unit. The WRC Trophy may well be there for you to see and other attractions," said a spokesman.

The first Cockermouth scrutineering event was due to take place last year but never happened following the rally being cancelled.

The event was originally postponed at the start of March due to the snow and ice that swept the country. It was later cancelled due to the unavailability of the North Lakes Forests stages.

There are various spectator stages on the rally.

"Greystoke is a non spectator stage due to logging in progress however Whinlatter Pass provides a choice of forests (Hobcarton and Comb) and Grizedale has ample parking and vantage points," said a spokesman.

For more details go to www.malcolmwilson.co.uk