A PARADE of expensive cars made its way through a north Hampshire village yesterday, as spectators lined the street to watch.

Basingstoke Gazette:

BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans led the 'Dirty Dozen' through Overton from Laverstoke Park Farm, with 12 couples driving his Magnificent Seven Farraris and The Drophead Drop-Dead Gorgeous Five - a collection of his own fast cars.

The group had successfully bid in an auction on Chris' Breakfast Show, raising an incredible £726,348 for Children in Need to take part in the unique experience.

The couples are joining Chris on a three-day driving and dining adventure, which will end with them attending CarFest South at Laverstoke Park Farm this weekend, as the DJ's special guests.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Their journey began at Chris' home in Berkshire, where the group watched The Chris Evans Breakfast Show live from the Ferrari garages whilst enjoying a barbecue breakfast cooked by Formula One racing legend Jody Scheckter and his Laverstoke Park Farm team.

The group spent the evening at Chewton Glen in the New Forest, where guest chef James Martin, who presents Saturday Kitchen, cooked a banquet.

Today, Chris and his guests are heading to Thruxton Race Circuit, where they will put their mortality in the trust of Jody and British Touring Car Champion Jason Plato for laps in a 2004 Ferrari Enzo, 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour De France and 2014 La Ferrari.

Top Gear's The Stig was also on hand to take guests on a thrilling drive around the circuit.

Cliveden House, set in 376 acres of magnificent National Trust managed Grade I listed formal gardens and parkland will be the stop for the second overnight stay, before they head to CarFest on tomorrow morning.

Basingstoke Gazette:

The group will start The Hill Climb at the festival, opening the show in front of thousands of spectators, before enjoying the festival entertainment over three days, making the most of their backstage passes and VIP access to a pavilion overlooking the track.