Wye Dean Rally organisers, Forest of Dean Motor Club, have already topped 130 entries for this year's event, which takes place on February 15th.

The event can accept 165 entries and, with two weeks to go, local racing crews are going through their final preparations.

Ross driver Paul Gunter was part of the launch at Weir Engineering, in Chepstow, on Monday. Paul is keen to get back out on the track after taking the year off since last year's Wye Dean Rally. Paul will be hoping to rid himself of last year's disappointment of not finishing the rally due to a clutch problem.

The father and daughter team from Ross, Gary and Tiffany Bolland, are also making their return to action at the Wye Dean.

Tiffany made an impressive debut 'on the notes' last year and will be hoping to shake off any rustiness in order to top last year's 38th place finish. Gary and Tiffany are set to test out the new gear box on their Subaru Station Wagon.

Meanwhile, the experienced duo of Roger Matthews and Paul Morris were out in their Escort RS1600 this weekend, competing in the Red Kite Historic Stages.For more on this year's Wye Dean Rally and the Red Kite Historic Stages see this week's Ross Gazette