Welsh trip proves a rally big test for Geordie ace Moore.

Geordie fireman Chris Moore is continuing to climb the ladder to rallying success.

Moore has had a busy start to December after being crowned the Fiesta SportingTrophy UK (FST UK) champion.

The 31-year-old from Gateshead was then put through his paces, first on Wales Rally GB and then in the Fiesta SportingTrophy Shootout in Cumbria.

Moore won the inaugural FST UK championship after a head-to-head on the final round of the championship with rival George Thomas, the result of which was only decided on the final stage.

As part of his prize for clinching the title, he was given an entry to one of Britain's biggest sporting events, Wales Rally GB, a prize donated by the Welsh Development Agency.

The three-day event, the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship, proved to be the most arduous of Moore's season.

He said: "Wales Rally GB was a fantastic opportunity from the Welsh Development Agency.

"In competitive terms, though, it was one of those rallies where we were on the back foot as we broke a driveshaft on the second stage and then had to fight from the back of the field for leg two.

"I kept my head down and kept pushing but conditions were really harsh, especially in what is a Group N car, essentially a modified road car.

"We made it to the finish, which was a result in itself as it was one of the hardest rallies I have ever done."

There was no rest for Moore as his FST UK Championship win earned him a place in the Fiesta SportingTrophy Shootout for a 12-month contract at M-Sport, who run not only the FST UK but also the works BP-Ford World Rally Team.

Moore and another 24 Fiesta SportingTrophy competitors from around the world faced a series of tests before a final six were chosen to face M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson to persuade him they were the one for the job.

Despite missing out on the Shootout prize, Moore was able to reflect on his Championship-winning season, saying: "It has been a fantastic year."