The 2017 Rally season has moved up a gear in recent weeks with South Lakeland competitors in the thick of the action in England, Scotland and Wales… writes PHIL JAMES .

There was a top result for Bob Hargreaves, from Ulverston, who contested the Berwick Classic Rally as navigator to Ben Blanchard and the pair finished second in their Hillman Avenger GT. The two-day event attracted a capacity 60 car entry with the opening leg taking a southerly loop in Northumberland and Sunday’s schedule heading north of the border to finish in Dunbar. By the finish less than a minute separated them and the Ford Escort Mk1 of winners John Ruddock and Roger Burkhill who won the event for a second successive year.

Flookburgh’s Aaron McClure, who was at the wheel of his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9 on the Welshpool based Plains Rally, just missed out on the prizes finishing fourth in Class N4. McClure, who was co-driven by Michael Gilbey, struggled with handling issues during the morning’s stages but with revised settings for the afternoon leg the car was transformed as they completed the event in 17th place overall.

Gary Newton has had plenty experience as a co-driver but the Cetus Stages at Wigan’s Three Sisters Race Circuit marked his debut as a driver. A familiar face around Walney, where he can often be spotted delivering milk, Newton was at the wheel of a Ford Ka. Co-driven by Tony Walker, from Newby Bridge, who hadn’t competed for almost 40 years, the pair had an eventful day. A questionable tyre choice coupled with brake bias issues resulted in an early spin and later problems with the gearbox also hindered their progress. Despite all this they were happy to make the finish with a delighted Newton declaring his intent to compete again as soon as possible!

Heather Grisedale from Grange scored an amazing result on last weekend’s Dumfries based RSAC Scottish National B Rally as co-driver to John McIlwraith. They made a mockery of being seeded at car 59 in bringing their Subaru Impreza home in 13th place, 3rd in Class 10.

Also in action, north of the border, was Swarthmoor exile Tom Woodburn who contested the Scottish National A Rally alongside Alex Waterman in a Ford Fiesta R2. The pair finished 22nd overall, 5th in Class CBRC.