The Wyedean Rally, one of the highlights of the sporting winter in the Forest of Dean, may still be three months away but preparations have been ongoing for the big event for a good while now.

This year’s event, which is organised by the Forest of Dean Motor Club, takes place on Saturday 10th November and club stalwart Paul Willetts is already counting down the hours to the one-day spectacular.

“The Forest of Dean Motor Club was founded in 1967 and the first Wyedean ran in 1975 and has been part of major British rally championships in the past 42 years,” said Willetts.

“Since the Wyedean’s inception, the motor club has donated thousands of pounds to the local community with its fundraising activities.

“In 2015 the club organised a 40th Wyedean dinner which was attended by 250 people and some special awards were presented to club members.”

The dinner also coincided with a book written by Neil Henderson, along with Willetts and Martyn Walby, entitled ‘40 years of the Wyedean’ which told the history of the event.

It is priced at just £10 with all proceeds going to charity. There are still a few copies of the book remaining if anyone is interested.

The Wyedean Rally takes place entirely within the Forest of Dean, the only special stage rally using this ancient forest.

The road mileage section is very low which creates a compact competitive event.