LEGEND Fires of Blackburn have confirmed their support as the main sponsors of the 2006 North West Stages Rally.

Company director John Stone is a familiar figure in north west motorsport, and will again contest the event with Lee Carter in his Metro 6R4.

A multi-venue, all-tarmac event, this year's rally will take place over two days February 25 and 26 and will be a qualifying round of The Welsh National Tarmacadam, the ANWCC PEC Tyres, the Kent Cams ANCC Rally Championship and the SD34 Rally Championships.

"The event is recognised as the best opportunity for rally crews in the North West of England to sample a true sealed surface event," explained Marco Toni, press officer for the organisers, Motor Sport (North West) Ltd.

"This year we have five separate venues giving a total of 80 stage miles with a compact road route. It's a hugely-popular rally and was voted best ANWCC stage rally in 1999, 2000 and 2002.

"In addition to the hard work and effort that is put in each year by the whole of the rally organising committee, the event would struggle to run in its present format and also continue its charitable support without the support of Legend Fires and the other companies.

"Our aim is to offer a real challenge to the competitor, two exciting days action for spectators and in the process raise a significant amount of money for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity.

"Our efforts have resulted in around £30,000 going to cancer charities from the past events and our aim is to continue this with significant improvements year on year."