Snow and ice have forced the organisers of the Wales Rally GB to shorten all of today's stages.

Crews contesting the final round of the World Rally Championship, including Barrowford's Daniel Barritt, will tackle six forest stages in Mid and South Wales - but with the mileage dramatically slashed.

"For the safety of spectators, marshals and competitors, the competitive route for stages one to six has been shortened," said a spokesman for the organisers.

"SS1 (Hafren) is shortened to 3.67 kilometres, SS2 (Sweet Lamb) to 4.28 kilometres, SS3 (Myherin) to 18.28 kilometres. Stages 4, 5 and 6 are an exact repeat of stages 1, 2 and 3.

"Stages 7 and 8, Walters Arena 1 and 2, will run as planned but at the later times of 17.29 and 17.40.

"The revised time for the first car due in to the Swansea service park is 18.22 hrs.

"Rally cars will pass all designated spectator areas at competitive speeds.

Spectator car parks will be open as usual ­ and at published times.

"Stages on Saturday and Sunday remain unaffected."