THE upcoming Kielder Forest Rally will see former triple British rally champion Mark Higgins make a welcome return to the Kielder Forest track.

No stranger to the course, he competed on the former Pirelli International Rally, winning the event outright on two occasions and notching up three runners-up spots and two third-place finishes.

Higgins will drive one of the Bowler Defender machines - modelled on the Dakar Rally Raid vehicles which have their own dedicated, 12-round series.

Mark competed in the recent round where he took victory with co-driver Claire Williams.

READ MORE: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/20114125.kielder-forest-rally-attracts-huge-interest/

The vehicles have also been used in James Bond films; Mark has appeared in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die.

The Kielder Forest Rally, on June 18, has six stages.

The rally will be based at the Hexham Auction Mart which will host the service area and media office.