A MOTOR sport fanatic, the driving force behind 'The Best Rally In The World,' has lost his battle against cancer.

Brian Molyneux was known throughout the rallying world as the man who helped set up the prestigious Tour of Mull event in 1969, then saved it from Government legislation in 1988.

Mr Molyneux, who died on Friday, obtained a unique order on behalf of the Blackburn-based 2300 Car Club allowing their event to continue using public roads on the Scottish island when the practice was outlawed by parliament.

Earlier this year he received the Prince Michael of Kent Award of Merit for services to the sport.

Blackburn rally driver Nigel Worswick is clerk of the Tour of Mull course.

He said: "People will be stunned when they find out Brian has died.

"When I was running the rally, I felt as though I was simply being loaned it for the weekend. "I always made sure he knew exactly what I planned and he was always very supportive and enthusiastic.

"The Tour of Mull is still the only rally in Britain operated on closed public roads. It is unique. One of the top drivers described it as 'The Best Rally In The World' and meant it."

Lancashire-born Mr Molyneux spent his working life with Mullards of Blackburn, later renamed Philips Components, and spent some time living at Lammack, Blackburn.

He was one of the founding members of the 2300 Car Club, established for Mullard employees in 1957.

The club organised a wide variety of events but will be best remembered for introducing rallying to the Island of Mull off the west coast of Scotland in 1969.

Mr Molyneux retired to his beloved Mull from the company's factory near Southport where he was a plant director.

His interest in rallying began during his university days at Kings College, Cambridge, when he competed as driver and co-driver.

He is survived by a wife Joan, sons Neil and, Clive and a daughter Alison.

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