Pirelli has pulled its backing from the annual International Rally, which concludes in Brampton.

The popular event will still go ahead but as a one-day competition in Kielder Forest, which will remain as a round in the British Historic Rally Championships.

It is early days yet, but plans are already well underway for the coming year’s event and the team behind the historic rally are optimistic it will be a success - whatever form it takes.

Ed Graham, media officer for the Cumberland Sporting Car Club, said: “The rally will continue, we have a very enthusiastic committee of local people and they will continue. Plans are well advanced for next year’s event.

“If we’re fortunate to find another sponsor that would be great, if we don’t we would still run the event.

“It is still a round of the British Historic Rally Championship and several other championships so we expect we’d get a decent entry. We will just see where we go.”

The Cumberland Sporting Car Club, which organises the Pirelli International Rally, has expressed its gratitude to have worked with the giant manufacturer.

It has praised the professionalism and the support that came from the Pirelli team over the many years.

Mr Graham said: “I’m extremely grateful for the support Pirelli has given us over the years - they have been great people to work with, very professional.

“We’ve just been very lucky to have them for so long.”

It has been a staple and successful event in the diary for Brampton, where the rally cars drive up Main Street for a ceremonial finish.

Brampton parish council has to close the road for the ceremony, which has its costs but also benefits.

David Moorat, chairman of Brampton parish council, said: “It brings quite a big crowd in the town centre when they have their final stage.

“Quite a lot of the shops and businesses have stalls outside on the street to entertain and do business.

“It does bring a lot of business to Brampton.”

Pirelli had been involved with the rally for 28 years but have been associated with it since it began 45 years ago.

It has changed significantly over the years, shifting to reflect the times, changing from a two-day event to a one-day event in 2018 to reduce the costs.

Mr Graham added: “Twenty-eight years ago, Pirelli became the headline sponsor, the title sponsor of the event and we have enjoyed a very long-running association with them.

“It has actually been the longest sponsorship - partnership - in British rally championship history.”

A Pirelli spokesman said: “We are no longer planning to sponsor the rally, however we wish the event every success for the future.”