WET conditions and unfamiliar territory failed to dampen the spirits of Darlington rally driver Paul Swift at the weekend.

The 23-year made an impressive asphalt debut in his Simon Bailes Peugeot 206 in the

the legendary Jim Clark Memorial Rally, finishing 15th overall after being seeded 27th.

"It was my first taste of true asphalt rallying and I loved driving the roads when they were dry - but, for most of the day, they were soaking wet,'' said Paul.

Competing in the junior section, the Smith & Allan-backed driver and co-driver Alyson Marlow began the event in balmy conditions in Edinburgh with two evenings stages in the shadow of the former Royal Yacht Britannia.

But, by the following morning, steady drizzle made the stages around Duns treacherous and the wet conditions caused a number of accidents and the cancellation of two of the stages.

Drier conditions as the day progressed saw the pair move up the leader board, finishing a credible 15th in the Junior Rally and collecting valuable championship points.

Action moves to Wales for the next round of the Peugeot 206 Super Cup

with the pair competing on asphalt once again in four weeks' time.