A storming last stage around fog-bound Penmachno south in the dark saw Richard Parry-Jones clinch the N3 class of the Cambrian Rally on Saturday evening.

Partnered by stand-in co-driver Sara Price, competing in just her third event, the pairing took 18 seconds off Tony Jardine who had been lying four seconds in front.

“The last stage was quite difficult because of the conditions,” Parry-Jones said, “but I was delighted to set a decent time and hopefully this will give me a good foundation for the night stages on Rally GB.”

There was a moments drama on the second stage on Penmachno north when a deep rut before an outcrop of bedrock hidden behind the apex of a blind right hander launched the Fiesta high in the air slightly askew.

Fortunately the incident didn't do any serious damage to the car as the trio completed a successful weekend event together.

“It was a difficult technical event, and another very steep learning curve,” Price said. “We were delighted to have completed, especially with just minor damage to the car on the tough forest stages and having raised money for the Wales Air Ambulance Appeal.

“Very many thanks to everyone who gave sponsorship money in support of the charity.”

Parry-Jones will be contesting Rally GB with his usual co-driver, his brother Hugh.