Drivers complete London to Brighton car run despite wet weather

Despite the wet and windy weather, car enthusiasts put on a brave face to greet more than 350 veteran cars, their drivers and passengers as they crossed the finish line in Madeira Drive in Brighton.

Some even dressed in period costume to complete the 60-mile journey from Hyde Park in London to the seafront, while others put on waterproof jackets as the south coast was battered with more rain.

The cars set off from the capital at around 6.45am, with the first vehicles crossing the finishing line at around 10am after making their way through the Sussex villages of Handcross, Staplefield and Cuckfield, as well as heading over the scenic but demanding South Downs.

Drivers battled with heavy rain to complete the 60-mile journey to Brighton seafront

Ben Cussons, chairman of the Royal Automobile Club - the organisation which has curated the event since 1930, said: "There is nothing to rival the long history and unique character of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run - it is an extraordinary and uniquely evocative showcase celebrating the dawn of motoring.

"Being part of this wonderful cavalcade driving en masse from the capital to the coast is an incredibly special privilege."

TV personality Alan Titchmarsh, classic car guru Paul Cowland and former Formula 1 driver Max Chilton were among those to take part in today's event, with the oldest vehicle taking pack to 1892.

The car run is the longest-running motoring event in the world, with the first dating back to November 1896. The event was first held to celebrate the day the Locomotives on the Highway Act coming into operation, which raised the speed limit for "light locomotives" from just four mph to 14mph. The law also abolished the need for vehicles to be preceded by a man carrying a red flag.

The first event, known at the time as the "Emancipation Run", saw 30 cars complete the journey.