A NIGHT-TIME rally through Bournemouth’s town centre has been dropped due to the recession.

The Rallye Sunseeker usually holds the first stage through the town in February and attracts up to 10,000 fans.

More than 100 cars race twice through the Lower Gardens and along the seafront, reaching speeds of more than 100mph.

However, this year the stage will be replaced with a ceremonial start at Poole Quay.

Organisers made the change to save drivers the expense of setting up their cars for both on- and off-road driving conditions.

They have introduced several other cost-cutting measures but say they are confident the quality of the event has not been diluted.

Clerk of the course Robert Pike said: “Ever mindful of the tough economic times, we knew we had to offer greater value than ever before.

“That didn’t mean slashing mileage or cutting stages left, right and centre.

“Rather, it meant maximising the enjoyment and minimising the costs.”

This year’s Bournemouth night stage attracted 8,500 fans but was abandoned after a Subaru Impreza crashed into a lamppost on the seafront, exposing live electrical cables.

The next Rallye Sunseeker will be held over Friday and Saturday, February 26 and 27.

Vehicle scrutineering at Bournemouth’s Littledown Centre will start later on Friday to save entrants paying for the cost of Thursday night accommodation. There will also be discounts for some vehicles.

The Rallye is mostly held in forests around Wareham and Ringwood, including two stages at Somerley Park stately home near Verwood. The overall distance will remain at 60 miles.

The winner’s ceremony on Saturday will move from Bournemouth Square to Pier Approach.