CHARITY and motorsport come together in a unique partnership next weekend when the North West Stages takes to the road.

Marie Curie Cancer Care, which has its regional headquarters in Chorley, will be the main beneficiary when a record 100 cars and crews start the event.

Organised by a consortium of local motor clubs, the North West Stages is recognised as one of the best asphalt rallies in the country, counting towards five major championships.

But more importantly, it has raised £30,000 for cancer charities in its six-year existence, - £10,000 of that from last year's event alone.

"The profits from the competitors entry fees and spectator contributions all go to charity, and we are hoping to do even better this year," explained spokesman Marco Toni.

"Our aim is to give everyone an enjoyable day and to put something back into the community.

"We have raised £25,000 for Marie Curie in the last three years, which translates into 1,667 hours of nursing care for terminally-ill people, and that's something we are all very proud of.

"And we would also like to thank our sponsor, John Stone, for his generous support of this year's rally through his company, Legend Fires."

Voted the best rally in the ANWCC championship four times, the North West Stages attracts some of the best sealed-surface drivers in the country - and this year is no exception.

Leading the field away from the ceremonial start at Preston Flag Market is 2003 winner Steve Simpson and Mark Booth, from Bury, 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 top five is rounded off by 2002 winners Peter and Tim Stojanov, from Cheltenham, in another 6R4.

The action gets underway 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 Preston city centre at 9am on Saturday, competitors will tackle a total of 70 stage miles at three separate venues in the Preston and Blackpool area.

The course opening car will be driven by Blackburn's Nigel Worswick in his Rockwell Automation-backed Ford Escort Cosworth.

Rally fans wanting to catch all the action will be able to see six of the event's 16 stages at Clifton Marsh, near Preston.

Although there is no public parking at the venue, the organisers have arranged a Park and Ride service at the BNFL Westinghouse Social Club car park on the A585 in Preston.

A continuous service will be operation all day to ferry spectator to and from Clifton Marsh.

There is a charge of £3 for the service, which includes a programme, with the proceeds going to Marie Curie Care.

Spectators making the long walk on foot will still be subject to a £3 admission charge.

Cars will start at 30-second intervals with each pair of stages running concurrently. Spectators are advised to arrive at least 40 minutes before the first car is due to leave.

SS3-4: 9-45am -- 12.30pm.

SS9-10: 1.15pm -- 4pm.

SS15-16: 4.45pm -- 8pm (floodlit).

Spectators are also welcome at the Preston Flag Market start (9am) and the service area near the Capitol Centre retail park, Preston during the day. There is no public admission to any of the other stages.

All the latest spectator information is available on the official rally website: www.nwstages.bun.com.

Anyone marshalling on next weekend's North West Stages could win the chance to co-drive event sponsor John Stone on a rally.

The lucky winner will be drawn from the list of marshals signed on for the event, and will be treated to a competitive outing in the Metro 6R4.

Previous marshalling experience is necessary, and to register please contact Gerry Morriss, tel: 07811 961727.