THIS year’s Bala Valley Rally saw 60 crews take part in a 100-mile course from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llechwedd Quarry, which included inaugural use of the newly built stage for the Wales GB in October.

The event was hosted by Bala and Distrcit Motor Club who are celebrating their 70th year, having founded in 1948, an era of luxury rally cars such as the Jaguar XK 120c (1951) and the Triumph TR2 (1954).

Starting off at Blaenau Ffestiniog in a series of 15 tests across the course, drivers stopped for lunch at the Gowelion Cafe and Visitor Centre, Bala, with a short test at the same venue to restart the action after the break.

Drivers crossed the finish line back in Blaenau Ffestiniog at Llechwedd Quarry, which will be the site of the Wales GB later this year.

Emyr Hall, secretary for Bala and District Motor Club, said: “The rally was well-attended and the weather helped a lot with that.

“The event was very competitive and our winners, Deion Atkinson and navigator Aron Jones, were both in their early twenties taking part in their first rally, which was significant.”

Also awarded at the closing presentation were second place Rhys Morris and Ned Price, and third place Howard Price and Barry Green.

Funds raised by the rally allowed the Bala and District Motor Club to donate a cheque for £1,000 to Wales Air Ambulance at the end of the closing presentation.

Mr Hall said: “We often donate to causes using the money raised at our rallies, which are held three times a year.

“Wales Air Ambulance is very deserving of the contribution as they play a pivotal role in the lives of rural communities in the Bala area.”

Last year the club donated a total of £5,000 to Wales Air Ambulance over its three rallies.

Bala and District Motor Club’s next event will be the PK Memorial Rally, a night-time rally in Corwen set to finish at 3am on June 23.

For more information contact Bala and District Motor Club by email at mc@balamotorclub.co.uk or via the club’s website at www.balamotorclub.co.uk