A NEW clerk of the course has been appointed for the Jim Clark Memorial Rally.

The closed-roads race is due to return to Borders roads on Friday, November 8 after a four year absence.

The deaths of three people during the 2015 rally led to a major investigation and rewriting of closed-roads rallying legislation.

David Gray from Newry in Northern Ireland has been appointed to oversee the preparation and running of this year's return rally.

David brings with him a huge amount of experience and knowledge in running major events in Northern Ireland where closed road rallying is common.

He told us: "I'm looking forward to the challenge and working with a new team."

In 1995 David retired from active competition and commenced duties as a steward with Motorsport UK, the sport's governing body throughout The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In 2004 he was appointed steward and observer with the sport's world governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.

Jim Clark Rally chairman Dan Wright added: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome David, our new clerk of the course, to the Jim Clark Memorial Rally.

"We have the same ambitions for the future of the rally and are looking forward to working together to deliver it!”

The organising team are currently finalising the event regulations and entry forms for competitors and more details on the planned route will be announced shortly.