Richard Rogers will contest the 2013 Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally for the first time in 35 years when he co-drives for Jason Gardner in his historic spec Escort RS1600.

Richard will join his sons Will and Matt, who will co-drive for Matt Edwards and Colin Webb respectively.

He first joined the Forest of Dean Motor Club in 1973 and acted as chief marshall on the Wyedean in the early years as well as a stage commander on the Lombard RAC Rally when it used the Forest of Dean.

He then turned to co-driving, teaming up with the late Mike Edmunds, his last Wyedean being in 1978, when they ran inside the top 20 for most of the day before finishing 34th overall.

Rogers retired from the sport, but always kept his interest, and now with the success of both his sons he decided to celebrate a landmark birthday this year by doing his home event one more time.

This continues a long line of local families competing on the event including the likes of Graham and Nick Elsmore, Martyn and Jack Walby, Ian and Cliff Davies, Eric and Matt Davis, Bob and Jason Morgan, Mark and Robin Christopher, the Drew clan Rob, Paul, Craig and Nigel, Chris and Dave Lane, John and Lee Reed, Dave and Nigel Jenkins, Michael, Martin, Geoff and Stephen Davis, Graham and Pat Byett, Mike and Gary Standen, Rob and Ross Weir to name just a few who have graced the entry lists down the years.

Jason and Richard hope to get a few miles in the car together before the event.