LOCAL man David Allen is taking anything but a back seat role as he navigates a new and innovative business venture.

He has teamed up with two motor sport professionals to open a driving school with a difference.

David and business partners Andy James and Neil Collins have launched Rally School GB to give customers the ultimate driving experience of their lives.

They can learn and enjoy the thrills and spills of loose gravel driving, drive through a forest as well as mastering lift-off, oversteer and powerslide techniques.

The business also offers 4 x 4 off-road courses in Land Rover Discoveries, skid, steer JCB driving, laser clay pigeon shooting, rock climbing and other activities.

The new company allows David, of Clyde Road, Radcliffe, the chance to move into the fast lane. Previously, he had worked as a location studio photographer, but is now looking forward to forging a new career path.

He said: "The idea for Rally School GB had been in our minds for 18 months. Neil is an ex-rally driver and Andy was his co-driver and has ten years of experience. In his day, Neil was the youngest-ever British rally driver champion in his class.

"Both Neil and Andy will be doing the driving. I will primarily be involved in the hospitality and PR sides and doing anything else that is required."

The Huddersfield-based company has opened a new, purpose-built driving course in Leeds and also harnesses two other venues for special one-off, high profile weekends where clients can get a real taste for the sport.

David stressed: "These are proper rally racing courses, the same as those used in world rally stages. We hope we can attract a wide client base, from those involved in corporate entertainment to Joe Bloggs in the street who fancies rally driving."

The company uses two high-powered Subaru Imperaz rally cars and hope to add a third vehicle soon. Subarus are described as probably the ultimate rally car in use for a truly exciting drive.

"Clients will start off sitting in a car with the instructor and go out and be taught by him," continued David. "After that, they swap places with the instructor and at the conclusion are presented with a rally driving certificate."

Rally School GB is marketing itself in the car trade press and, according to David, the feedback has been "very positive." Alas, however, it seems the Radcliffe businessman does not have a "driving" ambition to join Neil and Andy at the wheel.

"Just recently, I went out in one of the cars and I was very scared. So, I'm quite happy to leave that side of things to the professionals."

Full details can be found on Rally School GB's web site.