THE Forest of Dean proved to be far from a happy hunting ground for local rally crews at the weekend - as both went off on the same stage.

The Wyedean Rally is the first round of the British Trial and Rally Drivers Association series championship for 2003 and local schoolgirl Shelley Rogerson was con-testing the event with Chris Powis in the 1400 section.

After finishing the first stage, which is traditionally held in the showground, they came to grief on the second stage when they collided with the scenery and ended the event on the spot.

Carnforth's Ian Joel was out in the new Chris Allen Garages/ Silkolene backed Escort Cosworth 4x4 and also had an off on the second stage, dropping him and co-driver Graeme Wood from 12th place to 148th.

With eight stages remaining the service crew did their job and gradually the local team clawed their way back up the leader-board, setting six top twelve stage times on the way to finishing in 59th place from 119 finishers.

The next event on March 8 is the Malcolm Wilson Rally held in the Grizedale and Whinlatter complex in the Lake District, so there will be plenty of midnight oil burned by both teams to get the cars in the best possible shape for their 'local' event in the coming three weeks.

Enthusiasts don't have to wait quiet that long for local motorsport, though, as Morecambe Car Club is running the Mild & Bitter Stages at Haverrigg in two weeks time.

Several local crews are entered, including last years winners John Stone with Paul Mount in the Metro 6R4 and husband and wife team Neil and Katy Mashiter in their Escort MK II.

With free entry for the summer event to be held at the same venue and a free entry onto the Legand Stages to be held at Weeton, there is plenty for teams to contest.

For more information about the rally scene, check out the website at www.carclub.bbfree.co.uk.