AN INTERNATIONAL sailing race, which has been called West Kirby's "best kept secret", has secured its first major sponsor in 55 years.

Smart Cars, which is owned by Merecedes, has announced they will back the event for an undisclosed sum.

The annual race, off West Kirby coast this weekend, sees some of the world's leading sailors in Britain's biggest international team racing regatta.

It will now be called the Smart Wilson Trophy, attracting teams from the USA, as well as the Czech Republic, Holland and Ireland.

The home-grown talent will include three teams from West Kirby Sailing Club which hosts the event.

Over the course of two days, 300 races will take place, many lasting just six minutes and happening close to the shoreline, so the audience can easily see the action in boats which are colour coded.

The 32 teams enter three two-man boats, and are awarded points.

Race officer Ray Griffin said this is the 55th year of the event, which has taken place annually since 1949, with just one year missed out when the sea wall collapsed in 1986. But, he said, so far it has remained "West Kirby's best kept secret".