A FORMER World champion rally driver shattered records in a road trial which tests the fuel consumption of different cars.

Andy Dawson, who is now an economy driving specialist, competed in the historic Layer Marney Cup, a petrol consumption trial first run in 1914.

Revived in 2015, the event now takes place annually and sees a parade of veteran and classic cars displayed throughout different categories.

Onlookers were given a rare glimpse of a 1914 Model T Ford, while three Bugattis were entered.

Almost every era of motoring is represented at the competition.

Dawson achieved a remarkable fuel consumption of 123.77 miles per gallon for the 80-mile route through Essex and Suffolk in a Ford Mondeo hybrid.

He said: “It has been my aim to achieve more than 100mpg in a petrol car for some time, and last year in the MPG Marathon I missed it by a whisker.

“The hybrid proved the ideal vehicle and while the route was short compared with our normal economy runs, it was tricky, including lots of villages and a drive through Colchester town centre.”

The hybrid was not eligible to compete for the Cup itself, which was clinched by film and TV producer Andrew Marriott.

Mr Marriott, navigated by his wife Caroline, had intended to compete in his classic 1963 Turner Mk 3 sports car, but a problem with the starter motor meant a last minute switch to a BMW X3 2.0 diesel.

The route began at St Osyth, touring through Suffolk and Constable country before a lunch stop at the picturesque Stratford St Mary.

The afternoon run took the cars to the finish and weigh in at the Tudor-built Later Marney Tower.

Organiser Sheila Charrington, of Layer Marney Tower where the race ended, said: “Everything went to plan and what a superb result with records broken.

“We have plans to further enhance the classic categories next year.

“My thanks go to all the competitors and officials who helped us make the event a success.”

One of the most hotly contested categories was Class 10, 1996 – 2005, with the spoils going to Paul Hemsworth in his Chrysler Voyager.

The three best fuel consumption figures came from the three hybrids entered while Gary Kendall’s all electric Tesla 75 took part in the non-trial touring category and used £3.86 worth of electricity.