DRIVERS in antique cars arrived in Brighton today after setting off from London at the break of dawn.

Though it was overshadowed by a tragic crash on the M23 the Bonhams Veteran Car Run saw hundreds of antique motors head to the coast.

Hundreds of pre-1905 cars left the capital and made their way through the countryside towards Brighton’s Madeira Drive.

Austrian motor enthusiast Andreas Melkus was the first to arrive, at around 10am.

He said: “I came here specifically for the Run and this is the ninth time I’ve taken part.

"It’s not a race, it’s a Run – I just happen to be first.”

Like other drivers, he was behind the steering tiller of a century-old car capable of travelling no faster than a bicycle.

The historic 60-mile Run was first celebrated in 1896.