The Classic Illuminations Rally, sponsored by Pye Motors and Coopers Lancaster Brewers, proved to be a enthralling duel added to by the weather as it used roads throughout the south of Cumbria last weekend.

Previous winners Geoff Hall/Paul Bosdet in their 1966 Mini Cooper S were trading second with Ireland's Frank Fennel and Bolton-le-Sands' Kevin Savage as they completed the 14 manouvabilty tests and three regularity section in the 1965 Volvo Amazon before gathering stamina for the Saturday night section.

After completing tests on Morecambe Promenade, TruckHaven and Park House Farm, the 35 crews set off for an afternoon run, which required them to drive at approx 23mph for 2.3 miles before covering a further 1.5 miles at 26mph - all while stopping at controls and noting code boards.

Sneaking up from a start number of 14, Ronnie Griffin and Arkholme's Fred Bent were in the top ten at the end of the night, second behind Fennel/Savage, with Hall/Bosdet in 6th after a timing miscalculation.

After the final tests on Sunday, the results showed Fennel/Savage had maintained their advantage, Griffin/Bent had taken 2nd place by only nine seconds after 28 hours of competition.

Hall/Bosdet took fourth place and first in class with Bolton-le-Sands residents Jon Wood/Dave Malin getting their 1966 Mini Cooper into 25th place and Best Beginners award.