AN EXCITING eco-friendly rally event is set to return to a former open cast coal mine near New Cumnock this weekend.

The Hydro X Prix will bring some of the world's top electric car rally drivers to Glenmuckloch, between New Cumnock and Kirkconnel, on July 13 and 14.

The restored former coal mine, which is about to undergo the next phase of its major transformation into a pumped storage hydropower plant and wind farm, will provide a backdrop for the sport which uses its platform to raise awareness of climate change and global solutions.

READ MORE: Hydro plant at former mine site near Cumnock could create thousands of jobs

The series has received support from F1 superstars like Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button.

This year's series has already visited Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, with a trip to Sardinia in Italy planned for later in the year.

South Scotland regional MSP Colin Smyth previously hailed the decision of the series' organisers to bring the event to a part of the country where many landscapes are being slowly returned to nature after the decline of heavy industries such as coal mining.

A return to Glenmuckloch follows on from success of the series' visit to the area last year, with organisers calling to area "the craziest location we have ever gone".

The event is also gender equal with men and women competing against each other.

However, spectators are banned from the event so as to reduce the carbon footprint – with the action shown live on terrestrial TV instead.

More information about this weekend's event can be found on the Hydro X Prix website.