A RALLY co-driver who was a long-standing member of an East Lancashire-based motorsport club has been killed during a race.

Andy Mort, 47, who had just won a five-year battle with cancer and recently moved to Scotland with his partner, died on Saturday during the Mull Rally.

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Andy was a much loved member of the 2300 Club which is based in Blackburn.

A spokesman for the race organisers said: “It is with deep regret that we can confirm that there was a fatality on the seventh stage of the rally.

“The co-driver of Car 2, Andy Mort, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident by paramedics. His family have been informed.

“Driver, John MacCrone, 26, was airlifted to a hospital in Glasgow to receive treatment for serious injuries.

“The event organisers and relevant authorities are working closely with Police to establish what happened.”

Allan Durham was a fellow 2300 Club member and close friend of Andy’s.

He said: “I have known Andy for more than 20 years since he joined our rally team.

“He has been around ever since, first of all as co-driver for my son Mark Durham.

“Andy just loved his rallying. He was forced to take a break as he battled leukaemia for the last five years and it was a tremendous relief to see him beat the disease. Throughout his battle he never lost his cheeky chappy persona and was always up for a laugh.

“Many people just saw the happy-go-lucky Andy, but he was also a very generous guy and cared about the younger boys and girls coming into the sport of rallying.

“We both shared a passion for a nice single malt and I’ve nursed many a hangover after ‘sampling’ some of his finds.

“Since the cancer he was taking more of a back seat in the business to spend more time doing what he wanted to do.

“Only two weeks ago made Mull his permanent home. He was looking forward to integrating into island life with his partner Sarah Everett.

“He is going to be missed very much.”

Sarah requested his life should be marked by going ahead with the Celebration Walk yesterday, which traditionally marks the end of the rally.