BOLTON rally ace Debbie Waterworth and co-driver Mike Cawthra of Guildford drove their way to success in an event in the Tour of Flanders event in Belgium.

Their Parkside Garage Skoda Felicia came third in the Skoda Trophy and third in the 1300 cc class and Debbie was the first lady to finish.

But the race almost ended in disaster for the pair ... when they went into a ditch.

Debbie said: "We were going into a left six bend, which is similar to a 90 degree left bend.

"Although the event was mainly tarmac surface, on this particular bend there was gravel on which we skidded and went nose-first straight into a ditch! "Fortunately, the spectators were eager to see some action and assisted by pushing us out.

"We were pleased that there was no damage to the car and carried on regardless keeping the pressure on to the finish with an excellent result."

The Parkside Garage of Bolton also took second position in the Dealers Cup Award.

Debbie's next event is the Trackrod Rally later this month starting in Scarborough and finishing in Leeds, this being the final round of the Skoda Trophy.

Then, Debbie goes to compete in the Silverstone Lady Quest.

She explained: "This is a competition for novice female drivers to encourage them into the sport in which the winner gets a full season's drive in 1997, with a car, co-driver and service crew provided."

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