2012 Pirelli Rally begins

The 21st Pirelli Rally gets under starters orders this weekend. It's arguably one of the biggest sporting events in the region, bringing in thousands of visitors and an estimated two million pounds into the region's economy.Some of the top rally drivers in the country will battle it out in the forests of North Cumbria and Northumberland.

The event takes them over twelve stages and 95 competitive miles and is widely recognised as one of the top events in the motorsport calendar. The chair of the organising committee explains what makes it special:

Leader of Carlisle City Council Cllr Mike Mitchelson said:

The rally brings in vital money to the local economy and the course is one of the most exciting in the calendar. As Brian, a former driver himself, explains:

Watch Kenny Toal's full report here: