ALL the thrills and spills of motor sport return to Preston this weekend for the Activ-Air Conditioning North West stages.

More than 70 rally cars will take to the start, at 8.30am on February 17 at Bamber Bridge's Novotel, to compete over 70 miles of timed stages, including Burscough Airfield.

Six fast and furious stages will be held at the airfield which starts just after 11am and finishes at 7.30pm.

The airfield stages are sponsored by rally preparation experts RED, and as a taster Peter Littler, co-driven by Andy Marchbank, will be driving their Ford Escort World Rally car.

Hot favourite to snatch victory is last year's winner Rob Barry, victor of the recent Gibsons of Brock Rally at Park Hall. But snapping at his heels will be Warrington-based Lyndon Barton in the awesome MG Metro 6R4 -- 300 horsepower four-wheel-drive.

But if you cannot wait until then, you can see the cars at between 5.30pm and 9pm on Friday February 16 at Pyramid Plant Hire, Walton Summit.

As well as providing spectators and crews with a fast and furious race, the event also raises money for worthy causes.

Over the last three years, more than £7,000 has been raised and the charity being supported this year is Marie Curie Cancer Care.

For more information on the event, visit the organiser's website at www.nwstages.bun.com