AN INTERNATIONAL motoring event is a "massive boost" for the area, as thousands flocked to Flintshire this weekend.

Deeside Industrial Park was the home to The Wales Rally GB 2018, with over 300 rally drivers creating pop-up workshops for their vehicles from Thursday to yesterday for the sixth year running.

Spectators from all over the globe travelled to Deeside for the first day of the 11th round of the FIA World Rally Championship, where international well-known racing stars Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak, and Sébastien Ogier cleared their minds – and cars – ahead of three days of rally stages.

The Leader:

Hyundai's Thierry Neuville on the Great Orme stage during day four of the DayInsure Wales Rally GB. Picture: PA

The championship, which also takes place in Canada, Greece and Portugal, has put Deeside on the map according to Askar Sheibani, Comtek CEO and business leader.

He said: "The event is a massive achievement for Wales, and also very good news for the Deeside Toyota plant. It brings a lot of self belief to the community and harbours space for local businesses to come in and benefit from it.

"Since the rally started, the property prices have gone up and there is demand for space. Businesses are expanding because of this and we have not got enough land for expansion – but this is a good problem to have.

The Leader:

Sebastien Ogier and his co pilot Julien Ingrassia celebrate their victory during day four of the DayInsure Wales Rally GB. Picture: PA

"Walking around the area, you can see a lot of cars, and people walking all around like it's a big massive festival."

"The rally brings a brand name for Deeside, and lots of revenue for local businesses. As a result of that, we hope to see a lot of growth within local economies. It brings a lot of investment and we hope that this will continue. It is a very big contribution to our community."

Over the weekend, Deeside Industrial Park hosted world-known merchandise tents of the likes of Citroën, Ford, and Honda, bringing with them international markets.

Mr Sheibani added that local restaurants, hotels and transport services will have seen a boost during, and leading up to, the four-day event.

A spokesman for St David's Hotel, near Deeside, confirmed that the hotel was fully booked over the weekend due to the world-famous event.

Cllr David Wisinger for Queensferry said: "We are glad that the rally is on again this year and it will fetch a lot of interest for the public and a lot of income for business and the area.

"A lot of people come here to stay for the whole week, and it's a good thing for the economy, no doubt about it. It's definitely a good thing for Deeside and it's a fantastic event to be associated with."

For Jack Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, the rally evokes educational opportunities within engineering and manufacturing. He said: "It is great to have the Welsh Rally back in Alyn and Deeside. This is a vote of confidence in our area and those that have worked hard to make this happen.

"This fascinating sport gives us an opportunity to showcase our special community to the world. From our education facilities to our world leading engineering and manufacturing sector on the industrial estate. As a former engineering apprentice studying at Coleg Cambria, I remember being impressed by the scrutiny sessions based at the college. I look for and to welcoming the rally back to our area."

Alyn and Deeside Labour MP Mark Tami MP added: "This is an established event which brings a lot of business and people to the area and I am delighted it has come here."