THREE intrepid crews from the Garstang and Preston Motor Club have returned from competing in the Stenna Line, Ulster International Rally.

The teams from Preston made up a quarter of the field in the Formula 1300 Mobil 1 class where they competed alongside eight other cars.

The two-day event comprises four different classes with a total of more than 120 competitors.

Brother and sister pairing Neil Duckworth and Karen Whittam were the first of the three teams to set off, closely followed by Richard Leach and Helen Singleton then Peter Gates and Tim Gluyas.

Day one went well but Peter and Tim were to retire early on day two when they slid very wide on a tight bend. A resultant collision bent their car's steering and bodywork so badly that they were unable to reach the next service point.

Richard and Helen perhaps deserve the prize for the most epic problem, launcing themselves into the air after missing a tight bend over a blind crest.

Chairman of the motor club, and father of Neil and Karen, Pete Duckworth said of the incident: "The car was undamaged and they continued on their way."

Both remaining cars returned to Belfast to claim 5th and 6th places overall, positions they had held throughout the event.

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