Drivers have called off a boycott of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run after organisers completed a U-turn on rule changes.

More than 200 drivers planned to take part in a rival rally, named the Red Flag Run, as a protest against allowing cars built after 1904 to enter the official run.

Earlier this month IMS, organisers of the London to Brighton run, promised to revert to the old rules next year.

But they have now agreed cars built in 1905 and 1906 will also be banned from this year's event.

The move follows a series of meetings between IMS and the Red Flag Run organisers, Daniel Ward and Brian Moore.

Mr Ward, who last year drove car number one, said: "We have agreed that the Red Flag Run is now redundant.

"The rules for the London to Brighton Run have been restored and there will be an effective mechanism to ensure the integrity of the event is secure for the future."

Andrew Coe, chief executive of IMS, said: "We have taken note of the significant level of protest and have acted upon it."

He promised the rules would not be changed again and that this year's run would feature better policing and traffic management.

Drivers had argued that cars built after 1904 were more powerful, and would change the nature of the run which is in its 106th year.

IMS is looking at organising a dedicated event for Edwardian vehicles built after 1904, to be held in the spring.

A steering committee will be formed to discuss the future of the London to Brighton Run, including representatives from different groups.

Mr Ward urged veteran car-owners to unite, and apply by August 23 to take part in this year's event, on November 3.

He said: "We do not want the recent events to damage the London to Brighton Run in any way."