A NORMALLY quiet and tranquil beauty spot will this weekend become a magnet for motorsport enthusiasts across the UK and Ireland as the 18th Grizedale Stages Rally gets under way, reports Caroline Beamish.

Around 4,000 spectators are expected to descend on South Lakeland's Grizedale forest tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, to watch as 400 marshals, officials and medical staff supervise 135 crews competing for the chance to lift this year's title.

Entries have poured in from as far away as Scotland, the south of England, Wales, Isle of Man and Ireland, not forgetting the many local teams which will also take part.

Drivers and navigators will drive through the longer stages in Grizedale West, before the shorter Dunnerdale Forest stages and then a repeat of the first two stages to take the teams back to their starting point.

They will cover 43.32 stage miles and a road mileage of 41.97 in an estimated time of four hours and 55 minutes.

Though Grizedale is located within the Lake District National Park, which states its mission is to provide quiet enjoyment' to all those who visit, organisers say the rally is permitted because it helps to provide sustainable recreation while having a minimal impact on local communities.

But the rally does require all rights of way to be officially closed while under way.

Organiser Roger Harrison, from Ulverston, said the event was only possible thanks to the co-oporation and support of the Lake District National Park Authority, Forestry Commission and National Trust.

"Without working closely with them, we wouldn't be able to continue the event, which we feel is the best amateur rally in the country.

"We have once again got a packed entry and are expecting a record number of people to arrive and enjoy it again this year."

A variety of cars will be pitched against each other for 2006, ranging from modern Imprezas, Lancers and Cosworths to classics of the rally scene, including a Metro 6R4 and a Hillman Avenger.

"It takes months of planning and a lot of hard work to stage the rally, but by Sunday evening we will have every post, marker and reel of tape removed from the forest," added Mr Harrison.

"We just hope the weather is good and everyone crews, marshals and spectators enjoy this year's rally."