A RECORD 100 cars are set to race in the North West Stages rally in Preston on Saturday.

Organised by a consortium of local motor clubs, the rally is recognised as one of the best asphalt rallies in the country, attracting top drivers from around the country.

Leading the field away from the ceremonial start at Preston Flag Market at 9am will be 2003 winner Steve Simpson and Mark Booth in their ex-Colin McRae Subaru Impreza WRC.

Next up are 2000 winners Rob Barry and Brian Hardie in a Mitsubishi Evo6, followed by British Championship front-runner Ryan Champion in another Subaru.

Event sponsor John Stone starts at car four in his Legend Fires-backed MG Metro 6R4 with regular co-driver Lee Carter alongside.

The event has raised £30,000 for cancer charities in its six-year existence - £10,000 of that from last year's event alone with Marie Curie Cancer Care,the main beneficiary.

The action gets under way on Friday evening when all the cars undergo pre-event scrutineering at the Arnold Clark Motorstore in Leyland from 5.30pm to 9pm.

After being flagged away from the Flag Market on Saturday, competitors will tackle a total of 70 stage miles at three separate venues in the area.