The thrills and spills of the World Rally Championship will be coming to Middlesbrough, on Thursday, as Ford's Focus on World Rally Roadshow visits Cleveland on its nationwide tour.

Taking place from 6pm at Jennings Ford on Cargo Fleetlane, Middlesbrough, the event will give local people the chance to sample all the high-octane, tyre-screeching action from the World Rally Championship, in which Ford's drivers Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz currently compete.

The evening offers something for everyone. Visitors will be able to test drive a Ford Focus, race against each other on the real-life rally simulator and even get up close to the actual rally cars used across the world's most demanding stages.

They will be able to test their driving skills by trying their hand at radio controlled car racing.

An array of tools and equipment used by the World Rally team will also be on show, while video footage of the Ford Focus World Rally car in action will display the blistering performance of Ford's flagship racer. For the children, there will be a colouring book and a goodie bag to take home.

Competitions will be running throughout the evening, with the chance to have a ride in the rally car.

One lucky winner from the roadshow will even become a member of the Ford Martini rally team for a day when the World Championship heads to Britain, later in the year.

Nas Khan, from Jennings Ford, said: "The Focus on World Rally Roadshow provides us with an excellent opportunity to welcome the local community.

"It's through exclusive events like this one that visitors can experience how Ford's involvement with the World Rally Championship benefits the development of their road cars.

"We are sure it'll be a great family evening out."

Thursday's fun-filled family evening is totally free, and will allow visitors the chance to sample the full World Rally experience.