EAST Lancashire drivers reaped the rewards of a successful 1998 at the SD34 Motorsport Group's annual prizegiving ceremony.

Hosted by last year's inter-club league winners Bury Automobile Club, over 150 enthusiasts filled the Elizabethan Suite at Bury Town Hall for a celebrity panel and presentation of trophies.

International co-driver Ian Grindrod chaired the forum, with special guests: Mark Higgins, the former British rally champion; All-rounder Mike Sones; 1998 Ford Ka champion Andrea Hall - who travelled from Bournemouth for the evening; and rallyman Gethin Jones.

Over 50 awards were made to winners in the seven championships organised by the SD34 Motorsport Group, a long-standing group of motor clubs based mainly in Lancashire.

High Moor Motor Club secretary Gerry Morriss was awarded the prestigious Brian Molyneux award for services to the sport.

A founder member of the 2300 Club of Blackburn, and instigator of the Tour of Mull rally, Brian was one of the sport's most respected figures. Award winners - ROAD RALLY - Overall: Jon Lawson; Expert: Neil Bye; Semi-expert: Terry Martin; Novice: David Marsden.

Co-drivers - Overall: Chris Pringle; Expert: Simon Bentley; Novice: Dave Oates.

STAGE RALLY - Overall: Tony Lynch; Class A: Karen Whittam; Class B: Darren Snape; Class C: Paul Merrills.

Co-drivers: Overall: Jacqueline Dawes; Class A: Alan Bibby; Class B: Anthony Adams; Class C: Peter Merrills.

OFF ROAD - Overall: Steve Johnson; Class A: Dave Goodlad; Class B: Graham Bray; Class C: John North; Class D: Chris Leeming; Class E: Tim Sargeant; Class F: Peter Jackson.

SPRINT AND HILLCLIMB - Overall: Michael Tomlinson; Class A: Mike Wass; Class B: Ian Mills; Class D: Mike Mullins; Class E: Peter Arnold.

Individual: Steve Johnson.

Marshals: Eve Fisher.

INTER-CLUB LEAGUE - Overall: Ecurie Royal Oak; Class A: Wigan DMC; Class B: Clitheroe DMC; Class C: Knutsford DMC.

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