THE 2300 Club of Blackburn, organisers of the legendary Tunnock's Tour of Mull closed road tarmac rally, has announced the details of the 2006 John Easson Scholarship for young rally drivers.

First run in 2004, the scholarship is named after rally driver John Easson, who was a regular competitor on the Isle of Mull and a generous supporter of the 2300 Club before tragically losing his life in an air accident in 1999.

The 2006 Scholarship winner will be awarded with a free entry to the always oversubscribed Tunnock's Tour of Mull rally in October 2006, £1250 cash to be spent on expenses for the rally, and the trip of a lifetime to the world famous John Haugland Rally School on a frozen lake in Norway next winter.

The Norway trip date to be confirmed will include four days of tuition on advanced rally driving technique from John and his expert team, worth over £3000.

Scholarship manager Dave Bateson, a former Volkswagen Polo rally champion, knows the value of a trip to Mull for a young driver.

He said: "The Tunnock's Tour of Mull is one of the toughest rallies in the UK and any young driver would benefit from completing the event. It is an excellent addition to a rally driver's CV.

"We hope to receive entries from all the one make championships, the recently selected MSA crews and single venue competitors alike. Anyone can win this award with a little effort put into their application."

The scholarship is free to enter and open to all drivers who fit the following criteria: l Age under 25 on October 13, 2006 the first day of the 2006 Tunnock's Tour of Mull.

l Resident in the British Isles, including Northern and Southern Ireland.

l Entry received by 2300 Club by 1st July 2006.

Drivers who wish to enter should send the following details as a minimum to the scholarship manager: l A current motorsport CV outlining experience and results to date.

l A covering letter explaining why the panel should select them as winner and their aims for their future in rallying.

l A reference letter from any third party.

Entries should be sent to the John Easson Scholarship Manager, Dave Bateson, via email to daveb@2300club,org or post, to: Dave Bateson, 58 Gisburn Road, Barrowford, Nelson, BB9 8NG.