A RALLY event starting in Ledbury will return later this year after making a two-year sabbatical.

The 3 Shires Stages will comeback on Sunday, September 17 and will introduce a new starting location in the scenic village of Much Marcle near Ledbury.

The traditional ceremonial start will take place in the local market town from 4pm on Saturday afternoon.

The rally route will span 60 competitive miles, comprising three loops of four special stages that traverse the lanes of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire.

Once again, the rally will be supported by Hills Ford, a dealership with branches in Kidderminster and Malvern.

Hills Ford, known for its significant motorsport heritage, has been an enthusiastic sponsor of the event since its inception.

It is expected that Tim, Richard and William Hill will compete on the rally. Richard and Tim started Hills after many years at Brooklyn Ford which was run by their late father Mike, who was inspirational in getting them involved in rallying.

It was Mike Hill and Brooklyn who helped launch the career of the twice British champion the late Russell Brookes who went on to drive for Ford, Talbot, Vauxhall and Opel in an illustrious career, plus the likes of Gwyndaf Evans and Phil Collins who also drove the Brooklyn Sierra Cosworth.

The Cheltenham Motor Club is organizing this year's rally with assistance from local motor clubs. Keith Richings will serve as the clerk of the course for the event. He will be supported by Dan Lister, Pete Henness, and Kevin Smith.

Richings emphasizes the importance of teamwork in making the event a success and seeks to engage with the supportive community.

He said: "This event is about teamwork from our end, but the event would not be possible without the enthusiastic support of the local community and authorities, our sponsors like Hills Ford, but it’s about every single person who contributes to the event that will make it successful."

The event is looking for marshals, if you would like to get involved go to www.cheltmc.com or to check out the event sponsors Hills Ford www.hillsford.co.uk.