Organisers of a veteran car run have been forced to make a U-turn on controversial rule changes.

Drivers have threatened to boycott this year's London-to-Brighton veteran car run when organisers announced it would be opened to cars built after 1904.

The newer models will be allowed to compete this year but International Motor Sports (IMS) has promised to revert to the original entry requirements next year.

Earlier this year IMS announced Edwardian vehicles made in 1905 and 1906 would be allowed to take part in the run for the first time in its 106-year history.

The decision provoked a storm of protest among many drivers, with more than 150 vowing to compete in the rival Red Flag Run on the same day.

Opponents argued the later Edwardian cars were more powerful and would alter the character of the run. The rule change will still be in place for this year's run on November 3.

IMS chief executive Andrew Coe is confident the alternative run will now be called off.

He said: "When we made the original change we didn't expect the strength of feeling there was.

"We're sensitive to the amount of concern it has caused. This move aims to bring people back.

"We want to talk and listen to suggestions rather than have the disappointing aspect of people walking away and arranging their own events."

IMS is starting a consultation process about the future of the event.

Mr Coe said the organisers were also working closely with police to make the route easier to drive.

The U-turn was backed by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain.

The club defines cars built before December 1904 as veteran and cars made between January 1905 and December 1918 as Edwardian.