Rally comes to Newtown

Spectators and stewards mucked in to help this stricken car during the thrills and spills of the Wales Rally GB.

Thousands lined the streets of Newtown as petrol heads from across the country came to see names such as 2014 World Champion Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans and Kris Meeke.

Some of the other stars on show were Thierry Neuville and former Formula One driver Robert Kubica, who signed autographs and posed with fans for photographs.

Fans of all ages lined Broad Street and the Back Lane car park to catch a glimpse of their heroes as they held a remote service stage ahead of a the rally through Sweet Lamb, near Llanidloes.

A giant screen was put up in the town centre to allow fans the chance to watch the action happening out on the course, while a civic reception was also held.

Councillor Joy Jones, county councillor for the town, said it was a great day for the town.

She added: "It is great to see Newtown town centre full of people and I am sure it will have provided a boost to the economy. It is great to see Newtown in the national spotlight and it looks to have been a great success."

Russell George, a Newtown County Councillor and Montgomeryshire AM, said: "The streets were packed with people which was brilliant to see.

"It was wonderful to see so many people in Newtown and it was a real spectacle to see so many rally cars in the town centre for the second year running.

"This year there was also the big screen up in the town centre which allowed people to watch the action as it unfolded elsewhere which was a great idea."

Fans came from across the country to see the action.

Fan Gareth Owen, 37, a builder, from Cledan, Treowen, Newtown, said: "It is brilliant to come here and I have spoken to people from across the country. It must bring a great boost to the local economy and it is not often you can see top class sports action on your doorstep."

Ben Taylor, managing director of Wales Rally GB, said: "While Wales Rally GB puts more than £10 million into the Welsh economy we are just as proud of the substantial funds that are raised for local good causes.

"We couldn't run this event without the efforts of our volunteer car park operators and we are delighted that the causes close to their hearts are able to benefit directly from the event."

Several schools were among the beneficiaries in 2013 including the Friends of Pontrobert School, who raised more than £4,000 at Chirk Castle to invest in a new smart board for teaching school pupils.

The rally was moving on to a stage at Chirk Castle today while the overall winner will be crowned on Sunday.