MEIRIONNYDD’S forests will once again play host to one of the UK’s largest motoring events.

Wales Rally GB has been given the green light to use Welsh forests, including tracts of greenery along the Dyfi estuary.

Natural Resources Wales and the Motor Sports Association have signed a new access agreement which will allow Wales Rally GB to use NRW-managed land for the next three years.

National Resources Wales has played a major role in supporting motor sport in Wales for many years, and has a successful working relationship with the MSA in staging events at every level of the sport.

NRW announced earlier this year that it needed to ensure that the cost of repairing forestry roads after rallying events was covered by the rally organisers.

Popular forest roads in Hafren, Myherin, Clocaenog and Dyfi are all looked after by NRW and will feature in the UK round of the FIA World Rally Championship this October.

Tim Jones, NRW’s executive director of operations for north and mid Wales, said: “The forest roads we look after have achieved almost legendary status in the world of rallying.

“With more than 84,000 visitors attending this event alone, it is clear that rallying makes an important contribution to our rural economy.

“We hope this new access agreement sends a positive message to the rallying community that NRW and the MSA continue to have a good relationship, and are working together to ensure this important event in the Welsh sporting calendar takes place.”

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News, out Thursday