PARTS of Mynydd Epynt echoed to the thunder of rally cars as the 2016 edition of the Harry Flatters Rally was hard fought along the undulating roads of the ranges.

Sponsored by The Stephens & George Print Group and organised by the Brecon Motor Club, the event is based in Brecon with all the timed stages taking place on Epynt.

The ‘Flatters,’ round five of the 2016 Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship, is an annual competition that has been running for thirty years.

This year, Damian Cole from Abergavenny and co-driver Craig Drew won the modern category overall in the Ford Fiesta WRC - not the first time Damian has achieved first place in category on the ‘Flatters’.

Second place went to Adrian Spencer in a Subaru Impreza S11 WRC, whilst third spot went to Bob Fowden in his recently acquired new steed - another Subaru Impreza S11 WRC.

In the ‘Historic’ category, Melvyn Evans, an acknowledged Epynt expert, with co-driver Patrick Walsh, dominated the class in the Ford Escort RS with a superb drive.

Neil Williams and co-driver Peter James were second overall in the category whilst winning class F2. Third overall in the historics were Guy Woodward and co-driver Richard Crozier in another Escort.

Brecon Motor Club member Malcolm Rich, making his debut on asphalt surfaces campaigning his Escort RS1800, supported by hugely experienced co-driver Ryland James, achieved third place in class F2. Fellow Brecon Motor Club member Bob Gibbons, with his son Dale co-driving, won class B3 in the Ford Cortina GT.

The unluckiest competitors of the day were local men Phil Jones, with co-driver Joe Elliott, who suffered a damaged gearbox on the very first bend of the rally causing instant retirement.

Phil had spent all winter and spring constructing and preparing his Mini especially to compete in this year’s ‘Flatters’.

Clerk of the Course Martin Leonard said: "Last year we ran in monsoon conditions. This year, bright sunshine and blue skies greeted the competitors as they set forth into the ranges on Sunday morning. An enjoyable day for competitors and spectators alike."