Preston College Motor Vehicle students face a new challenge this month as they have been racing to prepare a rally car for the Grizedale Stages Rally this weekend.

The second year students, led by course tutor Dave Bland, have been tasked with preparing the Subaru Impreza for Garstang driver Simon Moss, who will contest the Lake District forest event on Saturday 5th December.

Dave Bland explained the thinking behind the project: "We have known each other for nearly ten years and I know there is always work to do on the car between each event.

"It seemed a great opportunity to save Simon some time whilst giving my group experience on something a bit different."

"The second years have removed the gearbox so it can be checked over and are doing the same with the specialist rally suspension which is usually rebuilt after each event.

"Simon used to teach before working for the British Rally Championship as the media officer, so he understands the need to keep students motivated."

Simon added: "This is a great opportunity for the students to focus their attention on a project and hopefully everyone will benefit.

"I'm extremely grateful for the assistance and I hope the students will enjoy the experience of working on a rally car, to a tight deadline."

The rally starts and finishes on Saturday 5th December in Coniston, more information can be found at www.grizedalestages.co.uk

Information about Preston College Technology Academy's Motor Vehicle courses can be found at www.preston.ac.uk or by calling the Advice Centre on 01772 22 55 22.