Wannabe rally driver Richard Ellis from Evesham took a big step towards his dream at the weekend when he won through the latest round in a contest which could see him line up against the World's top drivers in Australia later this year.

Richard, 29, a project engineer and secretary of Evesham Motor Club, won the UK heats of the Lucozade Energy's high-octane "Race In The WRC Rally Australia" competition.

He will now be flying to Finland for the competition which could see him win through to the Perth prize.

"Just winning a place at the UK heats was enough," said Richard, a father-to-be.

"The only problem is that if I win in Finland as well, I will be leaving for Australia when the baby is only three weeks old."

During his three-day stay in Finland, Richard (pictured left) will have a bird's eye view of the professional rally from a helicopter before his own skill will be tested to the full. "I have been a motorsport fan all my life," he said today. "I didn't really think I would win last week but I am delighted."

Richard's wife Tabi, a teacher at St Richard's primary school in Evesham, has supported her husband throughout the competition.

"She was really delighted for me and I am thinking about a trip to Australia with mixed feelings."

Fans can follow Richard's progress on Evesham Motor Club's website at www.eveshammc.co.uk.