A RALLY driver has moved a step closer to being a scholarship champion.

Noel James, from Marina Avenue in Great Sankey, is just one round away from the final of the ProSpeed Motorsport's rally scholarship final.

The 28-year-old technician for Cheshire County Council has been invited back for another stage of the competition after impressing on tarmac and gravel.

If he can get to the final, he will compete against six other drivers and will also be assessed for his attitude and potential by a panel of judges including 2002 and 2003 British Rally Champion, Jonny Miller.

The eventual winner will get a fully sponsored trip to the world famous John Haughland Rally School in Norway.

The scholarship was set up to seek out potential British rally stars of the future.