PAULA Swinscoe has been crowned 2015 Scottish Rally Champion after guiding Jock Armstrong to victory.

The mum-of-three from Withnell and her Castle Douglas-based driver won the championship in only their second year of competing together.

They kicked off their season with a win on the Snowman Rally in Inverness, but retired from the second round of the championship, the Border Counties based at Jedburgh.

However, they followed this up with second place on the Granite City Rally in Aberdeen, and a win on the Jim Clark Reivers Rally at Kelso.

Second-place finishes on the Scottish Rally and the Speyside Stages meant that the crew had only to finish in the top 10 on the final round to secure their first championship win.

However, with the final round, the Colin McRae Forest Stages, being cancelled last week, the team has been confirmed as the rally champions.

“This feels like it’s been a long time coming, but I’m delighted to finally get my hands on the trophy” said Armstrong.

“This is only my second season with Paula in the co-driver’s seat and it’s been a real team effort.”

“We have developed the car with TEG Sport over the years, and all credit to them.

“Thanks also to Paula’s husband John. He has helped with some suspension set-up work which only made us quicker. Without the support from Earsman Ltd, Rallytech and Motordrive we wouldn’t be here.”