This Sunday, December 6th, sees the return of the Armstrong Galloway Hills Rally to the roads and forest tracks of south west Scotland.

Last year's winners Jock Armstrong and Kirsty Riddick get the event underway at 8.30am from their home town centre in Castle Douglas. With over 40 miles of timed special stage and 50 cars, The Hills is the largest rally in the area. Famed for it's tough terrain and weather conditions, excitement is guaranteed as the cars and crews slip and slide at speed through the narrow forest tracks that criss-cross the area.

Subaru Impreza's seem to be the car of choice for local crews this year, with Colin Gemmell of Stair driving and Ayr man Stuart Cant braving the navigator's seat. Not to be confused with his famous rallying namesake, Tommy Mackin will be sparring with Tommy Brown for the unofficial award of Ochiltree's fastest Impreza driver.

Rallying is a really family effort, something certainly shown by the local entries. East Ayrshire Car Club's rallying secretary George Bryson and wife Jacqueline will be aiming for a high finish in their classic Escort Twincam while Duncan and Janice Ferguson of Dalmellington, New Cumnock's Billy Dickson and Girvan's Alister Watson also take to the stages in Escorts.

Completing the Ayrshire family entry is Drongan's father and son team Blair and Alex McCulloch, who have featured on STV's The Hour Show with their Nova Rally car.

The Hills is famed for its large Irish entry, and this year is no different, with many teams crossing the Irish Sea driving everything from WRC Toyota Corollas to Citroen C2 R2's. Entries from all over Scotland include the usual Classic Escorts and Peugeot 205's and well as a rare Lancia Delta and a handful of Mitsubishi Evo's.

Spectators can see the event start and finish in Castle Douglas town centre, and follow the rally from there to watch in the forest stages all for free, although an early start is essential to pick the best spots to watch. Alternatively, the organisers need volunteers to help marshal the day, if you can help please call Pauline on 077810770198 or Graeme on 07824330863, no experience is necessary. For more information please see www.gallowayhillsrally.co.uk