MORE than 200 cars and motorbikes zoomed along the seafront as they battled for the highest speeds at an event that turned 113 years old this year.

Starting in 1905 as the Brighton Motor Week, the Speed Trials attracts thousands of people to Madeira Drive every year, whether they are motoring enthusiasts or just coming along for the ride.

Len Wooller, chairman and director of the Brighton and Hove Motor Club, which organises the event, said: “I used to enter my cars into the trials, but I can’t do that now I’m in charge.

“It’s a very relaxed and fun day, and it’s the only one of its kind in the whole of England.

“There are so many regulars who keep coming back and some lovely cars this year like a Rolls Royce with a 27-litre aero engine, and a Koenigsegg with 1,150 brake horsepower.

“We’ve had some big names here over the years, like Bernie Ecclestone.

“We are now trying to raise £25,000 to resurface the road so we can bring back the single seaters.”

There were 140 cars and 78 motorbikes taking part, all vying for the highest speed as they whizzed a quarter of a mile along the coast.

Peter Allum, a retired plasterer from Peacehaven, was there with his 1955 Hagon Triumph bike.

He said: “This is my seventh year here. It’s a great day out with the family and I’ve been into bikes all my life.”