The partnership between the Hills Ford Stages and Shropshire Rural Support has reaped dividends after more than £2500 was raised during the rally.

The team from Shropshire Rural Support managed the spectator area at Linley as part of a unique partnership between the rally and the charity, aimed at both raising funds and increasing awareness of the work of Shropshire Rural Support.

Spectator car parking activity at Linley was handled by Shropshire Rural Support, with the help and support of James and Diana Moores of Linley Hall Estate and their staff.

The operation was a great success and raised vital funds to help continue the work of the charity that supports farmers, farming families, and rural communities across the county of Shropshire.

Shropshire Rural Support was set up in 1991 to help people living in rural Shropshire by providing confidential support during periods of anxiety and stress and with problems relating to their families and their businesses. The service is delivered by people with farming backgrounds and the charity has an extensive network of contacts who can provide guidance and signposting on most aspects of living and working in rural communities.

The partnership with the Hills Ford Stages has been a great success for both organisations and to mark that partnership, a Ford Escort rally car and a tractor from Morris Corfield were recently brought together on one of the event’s special stages to celebrate the success of the venture.

The Ford Escort is owned by Ben Crump from Clee Hill and is prepared and maintained by the Coltech team in Church Stretton. Crump finished a fine 12th overall on the rally to record one of his best results in the sport. On this year's Hills Ford Stages Coltech looked after seven of the rally cars, all for local drivers and co-drivers in one of its biggest operations so far.

The photograph shows Kate Jones from Shopshire Rural Support, Ben Lea from Morris Corfield at Broseley and Colin Bartl from Coltech.