The 15th running of the Rally of Kent takes place on Sunday (March 12) through the forests of the county.

Once again the event forms part of the National Clubmans Rally championship with competitors coming from all over the UK. It is the only forest based rally in the South East.

The event is based at Ashford before heading for the tracks in Kingswood and Bedgebury.

A mixed entry of 60 rally cars ranging from the most sophisticated four wheel drive Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi EVO rally cars to the tried and tested Escorts and even some trusty Minis are expected to blast their way through the forests.

The last three years have seen Will Nicholls and Nick Broom take the winners' laurels and they are back again in their Subaru to go for a record fourth win.

As well as entries from all over the country there are a good number of local drivers competing.

Among them will be Dick Slaughter from the Medway Towns in his Escort Mk2 and Roy Edwards from Paddock Wood in an original Mk1 Escort,

Both will be aiming to get their cars as sideways as possible through the forests.

An event spokesman said: "This is a once a year opportunity to see this action so close to home.

"The cars are due at Kent Cams Kingswood stages at 7am and again at 11.30am They are expected at AWS Racewear Bedgebury stages from 10.15am and again at 2pm."

He stressed: "Please be careful if you do visit the stages, as motorsport is dangerous and obey any signals and marshals who are there to ensure the event runs safely."