DRIVERS will be rallying round to help charity on this weekend's North West Stages to be held in Preston.

Organised by a consortium of leading motor clubs in the region the event starts at the Novotel, Walton Summit at 9am on Saturday.

The North West Stages is rapidly becoming recognised as the best opportunity for rally crews in the region to sample a proper Tarmac event that takes in five separate venue has established itself in just five years as one of the best rallies in the North West.

But more importantly, it has raised over £10,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care, thanks to their decision to donate all the profits from competitors entry fees to the charity.

"Our aim is to offer a challenge to the competitor, an exciting day for spectators and in the process raise a significant amount of money for Marie Curie. It's our way of putting something back into the community via a sport we all enjoy." explained spokesman Marco Toni.

Voted best rally in the 2001 ANWCC Championship for the second year running, the NW Stages offers 80 competitive miles attracting leading drivers from around the country. In the absence of last year's winner Eian Pritchard, Scotsman John Brodie will lead away the field of 79 cars and crews from the startline.

Organisers Motor Sport (North West) Ltd have arranged two "spectator specials" to give fans an unrivalled opportunity to watch the cars in action.

Both offer easy parking and on-site catering facilities, and the entry fee of £5 per car also includes a free programme.

One will be at Clifton Marsh, a four-mile asphalt and concrete stage, which will be run twice in the dark. Clifton has a single spectator viewpoint, which will be floodlit, on a sweeping hairpin junction.

First car is due at around 5.30pm. The stage can be accessed via the A583 from Preston and spectator access with the signposted.

Competitors will visit the service area, based in Walton Summit, near Preston, twice during the day.

Safety checks will be carried out on all competing cars at Pyramid Plant Hire, Walton Summit, from 5.30pm to 9pm, with the rally headquarters based nearby at the Novotel.