POLITICS took a back seat as Lord David Steel joined other drivers in a charity run of vintage and classic cars last weekend.

The former Liberal leader put the referendum debate to one side for the event that began and finished in Broughton last Saturday.

Lord Steel’s Jaguar XJS was among 25 cars that lined up to take part in the Broughton Classic Car fundraising drive for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

He was accompanied by his 17-year-old granddaughter India, whose mother is Tweeddale Councillor Catriona Bhatia.

Organiser David Halsall said: “Lord Steel thoroughly enjoyed himself and he was delighted to have his granddaughter alongside him acting as navigator. She was certainly our youngest competitor.” The oldest car to take part in the event was a 1923 Bentley and others from the motoring hall fame included an Aston Martin, made famous in James Bond films, a Rolls Royce, e-type Jaguars and Sunbeams. “One of our entrants was driving a Sunbeam that he got in 1954 and he has had since he was 18-year-old,” said Mr Halsall.

The oldest competitor was 95-year-old war veteran Colonel Aidan Sprot who was given special dispensation to drive a modern Honda which could not be categorised as a vintage or classic car.

The cars set off from Broughton Village Hall and took a circuitous route with breaks at Bowhill and the Gordon Arms at Yarrow.

They travelled past St Mary’s Loch then down to Talla Linn before completing the 130-mile journey at Glenkirk, the home of former Lord-Lieutenant Sir David Younger.

“The excellent weather allowed many of the cars to go open-topped and it was a great sight,” said Mr Halsall.

Sir David laid on a barbecue for drivers at his home and there was entertainment from Peebles band Nomad Beat.

“We’ve raised around £800 for Marie Curie and I am delighted at how it’s all gone. We first had this to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and it’s proving to be so popular I am hoping this might become a biennial event,” said Mr Halsall.