Top drivers are heading to Cockermouth for a car rally which takes place for the 46th time.

The Malcolm Wilson Rally consists of 43 miles of rallying on various classic Lakes Stages.

It will form the opening round of this year's British Rally Championship.

The rally sets off at 7am on Saturday from the M-Sport headquarters in Dovenby, when drivers head for the Whinlatter forests of Hobcarton, Comb and Wythop.

Entries include WRC driver Jourdan Serderidis and WRC2 driver Adrien Formaux. The event finishes in Greystoke.

"The first car is due to leave at 7am with subsequent cars following at one-minute intervals. Once all cars have departed, they will not be returning to the area.

"Our fantastic organising team have made this event one of the best in the country, and I have no doubt they will deliver another superb rally this year," said a spokesman.

The event is sponsored by M-Sport UK Ltd Team Manager Malcolm Wilson, and is organised by Morecambe Car Club, Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club & West Cumbria Motorsport Club.