IN her first ever desert rally, a woman from Comet country has won the ladies class of the professional class of the Tuareg Rallye in Morocco.

Donna Gray, from Stotfold, took on the 2000km course, which includes very fast desert pistes and three days of riding the dunes.

The eight-day competition is navigated by roadbook and GPS and includes timed special tests.

“Wow, what an awesome experience,” said Donna.

“I don’t mind saying that just looking at those monster sand dunes from a distance gave me the collie wobbles.

“On my first sand race day I got to a point where I was just surrounded by walls of sand.

“Before I knew it I was truly surfing the dunes with the best, and occasionally with a smile on my face!

“The navigation part of racing was another great experience I think every rider should experience.

“I am now converted and am already looking forward to another rally.

“A big thank you to my coach and mentor John Freeman - our navigation practice here in the UK really shone in my results.”