STEPHEN Riley is one step closer to his dream of becoming a rally driver after his impressive performance in the ProSpeed Motorsport Scholarship.

Riley, from Rawtenstall, did enough behind the wheel on round one to ensure the instructors invited him back for a second assessment.

At stake is a fully paid-up drive in this year's Peugeot Winter Cup, behind the wheel of a ProSpeed-prepared 206 rally car.

The scholarship is divided into three separate rounds, which all take place at the Blyton Park track in Lincolnshire.

Round one, costing £199, is open to everyone and consists of an introduction to driving techniques in the classroom, followed by an instruction and assessment session on both gravel and tarmac.

If competitors have proved themselves sufficiently talented, they are invited back to compete in round two, which consists of further instruction and assessment, together with a physical test.

The top six drivers then go forward to the free-of-charge final, where a panel of judges - led by British rally champion Jonny Milner - will choose a winner.

"Up against tough competition, Stephen has done exceptionally well to get this far and he stands a good chance of progressing through to the final round," said a scholarship spokesman.

Further information on the ProSpeed Rally Scholarship, tel: 01904 720438.