Rob Smith with Ross Weir on the notes took top local honours on the Butlins Somerset Stages with an excellent sixth overall, second in class in the Weir Laundry Equipment Subaru Impreza.

The BTRDA championship circus moved to its most southerly point last weekend,when round three of the popular series headed for the picturesque seaside town of Minehead.

A total of 145 crews lined up for 11 special stages in the Brendon Hills, which included two runs up the fabulous tarmac of the Porlock Toll road.

After a difficult start to their BTRDA campaign, Smith set a string of consistent top-10 times on the opening loop of stages to lie seventh at first service, a broken shaft on stage five losing them some time.

The afternoon loop went well and saw them climb up to fifth, but four drivers were covered by just eight seconds going into the final 11-mile Croydon test.

Unfortunately the duo were pipped for that fifth place by just two seconds by the hard-charging Peter Elkins in his Focus WRC.

"I am pleased with the result, disappointed not to hold on to fifth but really enjoyed the event.

"We've scored good points today and we move onto the Plains next," said Ross.

Darren Pinchen and Karen Watts returned to the series again, on one of their favourite events, in the Forest Trading Post Proton Satria 1400.

These two had an excellent trouble-free day to claim 20th overall, second 1400 and second in class, behind the flying Nova of Julian Wilkes.

Tony Williams with Cinderford's Karen Phelps on board took 29th and fourth in class in the Escort RS

Dave Edwards with Adrian McNally alongside followed up last weekend's good finish at Down Ampney with 90th overall, fourth in class in the Mintex backed Escort RS2000.

Apart from a puncture on stage nine it was a trouble-free day for the duo on only their fourth rally together.

"Really enjoyed the stages, Porlock was an awesome stage," said Adrian.

"It was our first time here, but we'll be back. Thanks to Martyn, Wayne, Mark and Jack for all their hard work today."

Among those not lucky enough to reach the finish were Ross duo Rhys Price and Mike Jode.

The 17-year-old started well, lying fourth in class after stage two, only for the rear suspension to break on the next test.

Fellow Ross crew Gary Bollands and Russ Joseph in the unique GB Motorservices Subaru Station Wagon started well and had a trouble-free run until stage eight, when a broken gearbox put them out.

Mark Griffiths and Tom Marrott were hoping to follow up their Wyedean success and started well, holding a comfortable class lead after stage five, but they dropped 30 seconds on the two runs up Porlock due to lack of suitable tyres and down to third in class after stage seven, but fuel pump failure at the start of the next test put them out.

Nigel Jenkins and Kevin Watkins in the NJ Autos 16V Nova had a short-lived rally with a broken shaft on the opening stage causing instant retirement.