WALES will stage the British round of the WRC for the next three years.

Wales Economy Minister Edwina Hart, today announced an extension of the Welsh Government's support for the Wales Rally GB, until the end of 2018.

This year's Wales Rally GB takes place from November 12 to15.

Wales Rally GB has been hosted in the country since 2002 and last year's event attracted around 45,000 visitors from outside Wales with an estimated direct economic impact of £9.6million.

In 2013 the event moved to North Wales introducing RallyFest stages to make the sport more accessible by providing enhanced facilities and all-day entertainment for all ages.

The Minister said: "This world class event continues to go from strength to strength and has developed a strong profile on the World Rally Championship calendar, again demonstrating Wales' ability to deliver a wide-range of major events.

"The rally provides an ideal platform to showcase Wales' many assets, including our spectacular scenery, with last year's media coverage estimated to have reached an international audience of 60 million people.

"The organisers have worked to widen the appeal of this sport, with developments such as the Rallyfest proving invaluable in reaching beyond the motorsport enthusiast, attracting new visitors and providing a welcome boost for retailers and accommodation providers at what is a quieter time of year.

"With an agreement now in place I look forward to seeing the organisers build on previous success and deliver an even greater event in 2016."

Ben Taylor, managing director of International Motor Sports which runs the event, said: "We are delighted to have agreed a new deal with the Welsh Government whose support has been critical to the long standing success of Wales Rally GB.

"Their forward thinking strategy allows our event to deliver around £10m of economic value to the Welsh economy in addition to a world-class event that brings business, tourism and many other commercial benefits to the country.

"The Welsh Government's extended support for this international event is fantastic news not only for rallying in Wales but also for the motor sport sector in the UK."