THE Somerset Stages Rally will not be returning next year.

Organisers have released a statement citing various factors including a reduced entry level combined with increased costs of organising the events.

This would have been the 40th year running of the Somerset Stages Rally, but the organisers say this will be a 'year out'.

The statement from Howard West, event director and Jason Heyes, clerk of the course reads:

"After considerable discussions we have reluctantly come to this decision. 

"The factors creating this are mainly due to the very much reduced entry level for our 2017 Event. The reduced entry level trend is occurring generally across all gravel events for reasons well known by all concerned.  However, the organising costs are continuing to rise each year, jeopardising the financial side of the Rally.

"This has created a considerable overall financial loss, which has seriously impacted our reserve funds from previous year’s Events.  Also, we cannot see any signs of this situation improving in the near future, which would obviously impact entry levels in 2018. 

"This, together with some possible logistical restrictions on Stage usage in 2018, and some complications on public road closures for competitive use in the area. 

"This will need to be resolved during the coming year, including arranging suitable insurance cover."

"We are sure the businesses in the Minehead area and within the Exmoor National Park will be disappointed to hear this news, as they do support the Competitors and Organisers and we, and the Competitors, do generate a significant income into the local economy."

The organisers confirmed they do intend to return in 2019 to use the Forestry Comission gravel roads, the Porlock Toll Road and a section of closed public road if possible.

The statement concludes: "We would like to thank all those who have supported this event since its inception in 1977."