THE MAN known around the world for his skills behind the wheel shared his tales from the road, as well as his top tips for staying safe, with Hampshire businesses.

The Original Stig – former Formula One driver Perry McCarthy – from BBC’s Top Gear was special guest at the Blue Lamp Trust’s annual event in Eastleigh to make a heartfelt plea for people to drive safely.

The free conference, hosted by the road safety charity at Hampshire Fire and Rescue’s headquarters in Leigh Road, saw businesses from across the county take the opportunity to get support and advice on how to ensure their employees are safe on the road.

Guests also got to see Eastleigh firefighters in action, showcasing their award-winning extrication skills by staging a collision during which they had to cut a motorist free from the wreckage.

Speaking after the event, the Original Stig said: “When you’re a racing car driver you have to constantly assess the risks and it’s exactly the same for businesses when it comes to their staff using cars for work.

“The work of The Blue Lamp Trust, along with the police and fire authorities, to raise awareness of this is commendable.

“I echo the Trust’s message that company directors should do everything in their power to ensure their staff are safe on the road.”

Mark Bradford, general manager of the charity, added: “It was a heartfelt plea from the Original Stig for people to drive safely, asking them to think about what they are doing when they are behind the wheel, in a witty and interesting way.”