A driver is boycotting the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run for the first time in 50 years - to take part in a rival race.

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

But he is one of more than 150 drivers, around a third of the number who usually compete, refusing to take part in the event because of plans to change the rules.

The race is currently only open to cars made before the end of 1904.

International Motor Sports (IMS) and the RAC, the event's organisers, want to extend entry for the first time in the race's 106-year history to include Edwardian vehicles built before the end of 1906.

Angry drivers have organised their own version of the race called the Red Flag Run, which will follow the same route on the same day as the traditional race.

Mr Shaw, of Balcombe near Haywards Heath, said: "The rule changes would change the concept of the run. It would no longer be just veteran cars.

"Edwardian cars are very different.

They are much more powerful and would probably finish the race in a few hours, so there would be no point to it."

The veteran cars have a maximum speed of around 20mph and take most of the day to reach the finish line on Brighton seafront.

Mr Shaw added: "The changes are purely profit-motivated. They want more cars to enter so they can make more money."

Drivers pay about £100 to enter the Veteran Car Run.

The Red Flag Run will be free to enter.

Andrew Coe of IMS said: "We are very disappointed a group of people have chosen to use this issue of the dates.

"We will listen to them and try to talk to them. If we can do anything to address their concerns we will."

Mr Coe said more than a hundred people has already signed up for the run.

Both races are expected to take place on November 3.