A RENOWNED British film star will drop the flag at the start of an annual 12 hour lawnmower endurance race.

The widely acclaimed and BAFTA award-winning actress Julie Walters, who features in multiple blockbusters such as Billy Elliot and the Harry Potter franchise, will set the lawnmower riders off on their half-a-day long race.

Competitors will climb aboard their ride-on-mowers and line up in a traditional Le Mans style grid.

All of the drivers will run to their machines at the start.

All drivers will then go for 12 hours nonstop as they power on through the night.

Held at Five Oaks, near Billingshurst, qualifying starts at 3.15pm and the race starts at 8pm on August 9.

Last year’s 12 Hour race saw a new distance record of 348 miles set.

Entry is £6 with proceedings going to the Inglfield Manor School charity.