MATTHEW Hirst and co-driver Declan Dear were crowned champions while Forest crews dominated the top finishes in the Wyedean Stages upon the event’s return to the rallying calendar.

The Wyedean provided a real challenge as competitors tackled the slippery 42-mile course.

But it was Hirst and Dear in their Mitsubishi Evo IX who claimed victory in a time of 45.58 to also take the Welsh National Championship title.

Former Welsh champ Alex Allingham, alongside Ross Weir for the first time in their brand new Dave Jenkins Motorsport Escort RS1800, came in second in the first of many impressive finishes from local rally stars.

The duo took the runners-up spot having had a fantastic three-way battle with the winners and Escort rivals Nick Elliott and Welsh youngster Tom Llewellin.

FULL STORY AND PICTURES IN THIS WEEK’S FORESTER