THE annual Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally, held at Croft Circuit, near Darlington, has had to be delayed by a week.

Organisers, the Northallerton Automobile Club Ltd, say due to circumstances beyond their control, it will now take place on bank holiday Monday, January 2.

A spokesman for the club said: “The organisers were informed by Croft Circuit on Monday that the original date of December 27, 2011 was now unavailable due to their allotted 40 days being used up following the Roger Albert Clark Rally, but following a meeting last night, the committee agreed to the revised date offered by Croft rather than cancel the event.”

Any competitor who has submitted an entry with full payment, and who is unable to compete on the revised date, is entitled to a full refund of the entry fee paid. This should be notified in writing via email to the Entries Secretary Sue Jobling (sue@cartersport.com) by Monday, December 12 at the latest otherwise drivers will automatically transfer to the revised date.

Competitors are reminded that because the event falls under the jurisdiction of 2012 regulations, specific attention should be paid to the checking of seat and belt dates. A 2012 competition licence is also required.

Any competitors who have yet to submit payment are requested to do so by Monday, otherwise their entry will be returned and placed on a reserve list subject to acceptance.

For further information, visit the website www.northallerton-ac.co.uk.