LEGENDARY Formula One commentator Murray Walker is visiting one of Hampshire’s top attractions today to launch a 3,600-mile rally.

More than 100 Jaguars from the 1950s are taking part in the Round Britain Coastal Drive (RBDC), to raise awareness of prostate cancer and fund research into the disease which kills more than 10,000 men in Britain every year.

It will start from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, where Murray, 93, will officially “flag away” the vehicles.

He said: “Although this is not a race it sounds like a great event. I wish the crews a really enjoyable drive.”

A similar rally staged last year netted £60,000.

In a message to participants, Brian Johnson, lead singer of rock band AC/DC and self-confessed petrol head, described the RBDC as a “fantastic adventure”.

He added: “I can only imagine the wonderful sight of that many cars together with that marvellous growl. I know you will raise a lot of money for this wonderful cause.”

The cars will visit various parts of England, Scotland and Wales before returning to the village on June 29.

Murray, who lives near Fordingbridge, is a frequent visitor to Beaulieu. His father Graham was the first curator of what was then the Montagu Motor Museum.