A FANTASTIC season for Forest rally crews got even better this week, with Karen Watts clinching the MSA English Rally Championship co-driver's crown.

Needing a strong finish in the final event of the year, GMF-backed Karen had to find a new driver to sit by after a couple of bad results.

The Proton Satria of regular partner Darren Pinchin was badly damaged in an accident on the Woodpecker Rally.

The daughter of Wyedean Rally clerk of the course Phil Turley navigated for Justin Lawson on the Cambrian Rally but alternator problems put them out.

Karen sat beside Tim Rogers in his Ford Fiesta ST on the Tempest Rally in Aldershot and had a day to remember, picking up 21 points to finish 16 points ahead of her nearest rival in the MSA English co-driver standings.

They finished sixth overall in the two wheel drive event with a smooth performance.

Karen, who won the BTRDA Lady Co-Driver of the Year award in 2009, said: "As things worked out we only had to finish, but we still had a cracking day and set two second fastest stage times. It's a nice way to finish the season and it's perked me back up. It's been a hard year, but this makes all the effort worthwhile."