The plaudits have come from far and wide hailing Sunday’s Production Car Autotest at Witton Park Country Fair a huge success – all well deserved for an event that will hopefully be held annually.

Twenty-four drivers, some as young as 14 years of age, contested the event which was organised by the Under 17 Motor Club North West, Accrington Motor Sports Club and CSMA North West Motor Sport Group.

It also caught the imagination of visitors to the fair with around 30 or more participating as either a driver or passenger on the third of a mile long replica rally stage.

Designed to promote both motorsport and safe and better driving the consensus was it had been a great day’s sport and learning for all those taking part.

“It’s a great way to get into motorsport and a fantastic opportunity to learn car control skills that can help your driving for life,” said Go Motorsport regional development officer Steve Johnson, who played a leading role in organising the event.

Among those competing who had never had any prior motor-sport experience was 18-year-old apprentice mechanic Kristyan Denwood from Accrington.

Denwood competed in his road car, a Rover Mini, and enjoyed the experience. “I’ll definitely do it again,” he said.

Having already competed in a number of similar events, Hazel Johnson, another Accrington 18- year-old, has now made the step-up to stage rallying but still finds there are benefits from competing in Production Car Autotests.

“They’re great for learning car control techniques that can get you out of some difficult situations,” said Johnson.

Paul Wild, a member of Yorkshire Sports Car Club, said: “It’s been absolutely superb, well organised and run, and the mixed weather has just added to it.

“Not enough youngsters get the opportunity to get into motorsport but this provides that in a safe environment.”

Phil Wansbrough, from Rossendale, who collected the prize for recording the fastest time set by a member of the public, said: “My 12 year-old daughter Emily is keen to get into F1000 rallying and I think the Under 17 initiative is a great way for people to learn good driving skills from real enthusiasts.”

Tony Bilham set fastest time of the day, with David Dunlop second and Hazel Johnson third.