The 2300 Club of Blackburn have chosen Osian Pryce as the winner of the 2011 John Easson Award.

Machynlleth rally driver Pryce was picks up the prestigious award which is worth a total prize fund of £4,000.

The 18-year-old was the choice of the judges after careful deliberation, which saw the four finalists travel to Preston to take part in interviews with the panel of judges.

Pryce emerged as the winner after a very close run contest with fellow finalists, Matt Griffin, Chris Ingram and Robert Wheeler.

This year the judges, headed by former Tour of Mull clerk of course Clive Molyneux, from Blackburn, along with co-driver ‘legend’ Ian Grindrod, former international co driver and boss of Motordrive Seats Allan Whittaker, and guest judge Bury based Subaru WRC driver John Cope, all agreed, once again this year, the task of choosing a winner from the line up of finalists was very difficult.

Judges chairman Molyneux said: “This year was a very close run final, with the judges scores totalled up, only half a point separated each of the four finalists.

“It is unfortunate that there can only be one winner.

“We feel Osian will be a worthy recipient of the 2011 John Easson Award, and of course we wish runners up Chris, Robert and Matt the very best of luck and success with their continued rallying.

“The 2300 Club would like to thank all candidates who applied for the award, and wish everyone good luck and success in their rallying for 2012.”