ONE of the region's newest rally crews marked their Wales Rally GB debut with a top class placing last week.

Lewis Sim joined Elliot Stafford in their Toyota Celica to finish 34th overall in the national rally class and fifth front wheel drive behind some top Fiesta rally cars.

The crew also finished fifth in the B3 class.

Sim said: "I must say a massive well done to Elliott for relishing the opportunity to compete on the big stage and share stages with world rally cars.

"For his first real taste at a forest event I was super proud to have the opportunity to be sat next to him and now we will see what the future holds next year for us both as a team."

Fellow Newtown Motor Club crew Alun horn and Ian Beamond finished 13th and 10th in class in their Subaru while Alwyn Passant and Denny Harris were 54th and 11th in B3 class after battling back in their Escort after ditching on the first day.

Phil Jones and Clive Jones had to retire their Escort on day two with three stages remaining while second in class B3 after the first day.

Meanwhile Keith Jones and Jonny Evans finished 32nd overall and 17th in class after damaging their Subaru in the last stage on day one.