Crowds rally at circuit for get-together

Fans and exhibitors from mid-Somerset were among the thousands at Castle Combe circuit on Saturday for one of the largest gatherings of all things rallying.

Nearly 10,000 people were expected at the sun-drenched Rallyday 2008 to see famous rally cars from the past and well-known rally drivers, plus all sorts of smaller rally teams and attractions.

The biggest draw of the day was World Rally Championship title challenger Mikko Hirvonen, who drives for the M-Sport Ford team.

Speaking to the Mid Somerset Series, he said how fun and relaxed the Rallyday was, and that of all the cars there, he would choose to drive a Ford Escort Mk II.

Among the mid-Somerset exhibitors were Alan and Denise Desbois, of Emborough, who had their unique Peugeot 306 RWD on show.

Mr Desbois said: "Rallyday is great because it shows how popular rallying is and it is quite affordable to exhibit at."

One of the motor clubs which had a stand was the Somerset RS Owners Club, which meets at the Pipers Inn, at Ashcott.

Other attractions included rallycross action, rally raid vehicles, a simulator for children to experience what being in a rally car is like, and stunt driving displays.