A HEREFORDSHIRE man has been crowned the 2016 RAC MSA Fuchs Asphalt National Rally champion.

Roger Matthews, from St Weonards, gained victory in front of a packed TT grandstand in the Isle of Man.

The 62-year-old teamed up with co-driver Tom Marrott in a BDA Escort RSC1600.

The duo knew that, if things went their way, they could wrap up the title in Douglas but had rivals Roger Moran and Stanley Orr RS1600 breathing down their necks.

But with Moran and Orr both retiring before the second day, Matthews and Marrott did enough to clinch the title, finishing 60th overall and second in class.

It was Matthews' third championship success having won the Welsh Historic Championship twice.

"I thought we had won it, but until it was confirmed, we weren't sure," said Matthews.

Meanwhile, Simon Tysoe and Ross-on-Wye co-driver Paul Morris had a nightmare run as they chased the British Historic title.

Everything started well with the Jondel Engines RS1600 holding second in class at the end of first leg.

The duo then led in the second day before slipping into a ditch on the penultimate stage and losing 14 minutes.

They eventually recovered to finish 62nd overall and third in class.

"It was a very cruel way to end our title aspirations for this year, but Simon's drove brilliantly all year and we've won category two overall," said Morris.

Elsewhere, Matt Edwards, with Ross Motor Club vice-chairman Will Rogers navigating, finished fifth overall in a Fiesta R5 in the last British Rally Championship round in Ulster.

"We're very pleased with fifth, this was our aim at the start," said Rogers.

"Its been a fantastic year for us thanks to Matt who has adapted really well and not put a scratch on the cars all year."