A party marked the 100th anniversary of the setting of the first of three world records by a vintage car.

The celebration was hosted by Gerald and June Firkins, of Hanley Castle, who own the Darracq 200 V8 that set the land speed record in 1905, 1906 and 1907, when it reached 126mph.

Among the guests were engineers from Ledbury's Helping Hand Company, who helped restore the French-built car. It will now undergo engine work by specialists.

The car will go on display at the Retromobile exhibition in Paris from February 10 to 19.

"This is the first time the car has gone abroad and, as Darracq is a French car, it seems appropriate," said Mrs Firkins.

She and her husband bought the car from Sir Algernon Guinness in 1956 and own two other Darracqs.

Although the car is being sent to Paris as a static exhibit, Mrs Firkins is hopeful that it be on the road later this year, for the first time since 1909.