THIS year's Wales Rally GB will not be crossing the border and visiting Cheshire.

Unlike the past two years, which saw rally cars parade through Chester city centre in the shadow of the Eastgate Clock, and compete on a superspecial stage in the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, this year's event will be entirely based in North and mid-Wales.

But organisers promise plenty of entertainment for local rally fans, as the Rally Village will once again be based at Deeside Service Park, near to the Toyota UK engine manufacturing plant, for the first three days of the four-day sporting spectacle which takes place from October 4-7.

Admission is free and visitors will be able to see world-class rally crews repairing and servicing top vehicles competing in this year's World Rally Championship, while there will also be a range of on-site activities.

The past two years saw rally cars go ceremonially through the centre of Chester in the event's first visit to the city since 1996.

Chester played host to one of the sport's most iconic moments in 1995, when legendary driver Colin McRae celebrated what would be his only world title in front of thousands of jubilant spectators at Chester Racecourse.

Tarporley-based online car insurance firm Dayinsure returns as headline sponsor for the Wales Rally GB, which has altered its route to allow for more stages in Welsh forests such as Snowdonia and Sweet Lamb.

Taking advantage of recently approved Government legislation, the final stage will also see the first world championship motorsport event ever held on a public highway, as rally cars will tear through the closed streets of Llandudno before the winner is crowned on the town's Promenade.

Last year's event saw Elfyn Evans become the first Welshman to win the Rally GB as French ace Sebastien Ogier wrapped up his fifth successive world title.

Ben Taylor, Dayinsure Wales Rally GB managing director, said: “We are so excited by this dramatic new look to the route and would to thank everyone involved for making it possible. Last year was amazing with Elfyn’s victory, but the new legislation has allowed us to really freshen up the event."