Former Formula One drivers Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Mark Blundell and Derek Warwick were among the sports and TV stars who took part in ‘The Circuit’ (September 17) in support of the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal.

Other stars to attend included Amir Khan, Deborah Meaden, James Martin, Austin Healey and Vicki Butler-Henderson. Motor sport fans paid to spend a thrilling day with celebrities and professional drivers at PalmerSport, at the Bedford Autodrome. Six high performance-racing cars were put through their paces, including the Formula Jaguar single seater, Porsche 911 JP3, and Palmer Jaguar JP1 sports prototype racer.

Former Formula One driver and part of the organising committee Mark Blundell said: “Guests really pushed the cars to the limits and there seemed to be a few friendly rivalries out there on the track. Damon Hill and David Coulthard couldn’t help themselves from slugging it out on the track!”

'This event is really important as all funds are going towards the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal to help them answer more calls to their helplines. Please visit www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk to find out more information about why the NSPCC needs the public’s support.'

In between conversations about whether Jenson Button can win the Formula One World Championship and singing Happy Birthday to Damon Hill, guests enjoyed a lunchtime auction hosted by Perry McCarthy.

Lots included three super rides in a Palmer Jaguar JP1 and a BMW M3 with David Coulthard, Damon Hill and Jason Plato, a visit to Nick Mason’s legendary car collection which went to TV chef James Martin and a Jenson Button signed Honda plate from last year’s car which went to Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden.

At the end of the day, the fastest overall driver was English Rugby Union player Austin Healey, fastest team captain was former Formula One driver Derek Warwick and Best Team was led by David Coulthard and Austin Healey.

NSPCC fundraising manager Sophie Moss said: 'There certainly seemed to be some action-packed racing! It’s brilliant to see a pro like Derek Warwick show guests how to set some really top lap times!'

'It's a tragedy when a vulnerable child summons up the courage to phone ChildLine but can't get through to speak to someone. The Child's Voice Appeal aims to raise over £50 million to develop the NSPCC helplines to answer every call, text and e-mail from a child who needs our help or an adult with a concern about a child.'   

‘The Circuit’ was sponsored by ING, and is expected to raise thousands of pounds for the NSPCC. For further information about the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, visit www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk. For further information about PalmerSport, visit www.palmersport.com or contact +44 (0)1403 733 999.