Veteran cars set off on coast run

Only cars built before 1905 are eligible to take part

More than 500 veteran cars have taken part in the annual London to Brighton car rally.

This year's theme is "Vive La France" with 39 French marques participating including Renault, Peugeot, Bayard, Napoleon and Rochet.

Dancers from the Moulin Rouge in Paris performed at the start in Hyde Park and finish in Madeira Drive.

The 60-mile run to the south coast is said to be the longest running motoring event in the world.

It was first held in 1896 to celebrate the new 14mph speed limit. It was next staged in 1927 and has been held every year except during the war and in 1947 when petrol rationing was in force.

Only cars built before 1905 are eligible to take part.

Drivers left London's Hyde Park from 0658 GMT.

Travelling at less than 20mph they made their way through Brixton, Croydon, Redhill, Horley, Gatwick and Crawley before reaching Brighton.