HIGH-powered rally cars could be snaking their way through country lanes in the Ribble Valley after plans for a major motorsports event were revealed.

Motor sport enthusiasts based in Blackburn who founded the world-renowned Tour of Mull have turned their attention closer to home.

Clive Molyneux, 52, a member of the 2300 Club of Blackburn, is planning to create a multi-million pound special stage rally in rural Lancashire using roads in the Trough of Bowland, including Longridge, Dunsop Bridge, Whitewell and Gisburn.

It is hoped the event would attract top level-drivers and thousands of spectators.

Mr Molyneux's father Brian founded the Isle of Mull event, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009. It attracts hundreds of visitors and competitors every year giving a huge boost to the economy of the small Scottish Island.

Mr Molyneux said he has been in talks with officers at Ribble Valley Borough Council to create a similar event in the area.

"Historically, the Ribble Valley is a well known venue for night time rally's because the roads are ideal for our sport and the area would be perfect for this type of event." said the father-of-one, who lives in Ramsgreave, Blackburn.

The Motor Sports Association, which governs the sport in the UK, is currently lobbying parliament to have the law changed making it easier for roads to be closed so that rally events can be held.

Mr Molyneux added: "We are hopeful that the legislation regarding road closures will be changed as the future of this event is heavily dependent on it.

"We have already contacted the council outlining our plans and we are now in the process of collating some more information that they have requested.

"An event like this would bring an influx of people to the area increasing tourism and boosting the economy by millions."

The 2300 Club was formed by members of the Mullards Car Club in the 1960s and currently boasts around 30 members.