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 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.

For the full story and more see In Gear in tomorrow's Westmorland Gazette.