THE first leg of the Round Britain Coastal Drive got off to a flying start as one very special celebrity ‘flagged off’ the drivers.

Veteran commentator Murray Walker, 93, waved the Union Jack to start the rally, which will see 100 Jaguars from the 1950s make their way round the 3,600 route.

Starting off at the National Motor Museum in Bealieu, the drivers gathered for a chat and photos with the Grand Prix legend, before setting off on what has been described as a “fantastic adventure.”

As well as enjoying the trip the participants will be raising money and awareness of prostate cancer, the most common type of cancer in men. A total of 41,000 men are diagnosed with the disease each year.

Speaking to the Echo before the cars set off on their journey, Mr Walker said the drivers were in “iconic” cars. He said: “That term is over-used these days but it really does apply here.

“When you look at where they are going and the scenery they are going to see, it really will be fantastic. I wish I was going.”

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

A similar event last year raised £60,000.