A pensioner has backed down on his threat to boycott the London-to-Brighton veteran car run for the first time in 50 years.

Ron Shaw, 87, has driven his Rex Fore car in the event every year since 1952.

But he intended to withdraw this year after organisers allowed cars built in 1905 and 1906 to enter.

More than 200 drivers threatened to take part in a rival Red Flag Run on the same day, November 3.

But organiser International Motor Sports did a U-turn this week, reimposing the pre-1905 restriction.

Mr Shaw, of Balcombe, near Haywards Heath, said: "They've capitulated 110 per cent.

"We've won the war so I'll certainly be taking part as usual this year and so will everyone else."