A BARDON Mill man has scooped a top award at renowned motorsport circuit Donington Park.

Damian Rudge drove his 1972 Mercedes 280SE all 200 miles to the venue, in the East Midlands, for the Mercedes Benz Club’s annual classic car show on July 30.

He returned home with the Best In Show trophy after the immaculate car, which was the second-oldest at the show, impressed judges.

“This is the first show I’ve entered, so naturally I am delighted,” said Damian, who was accompanied by his wife Helen.

“Initially we won best in class, which was nice but when we won best in show I was absolutely gobsmacked.

“There were so many amazing Mercedes cars from down the years at the show, so we didn’t go there with any expectations. But we had a wonderful time at Donington and it was well worth the journey,” he added.

Damian is relatively new to the classic car scene. The car was one of two Mercedes he bought in Australia in 2008, before having them imported to the UK.

He said: “This was the first in the S series and they are just lovely cars. I am not particularly savvy when it comes to technology but I know that Mercedes are generally reliable cars.

“That proved to be the case last weekend. It was good fun to give the Mercedes a run out and take her to Donington.

“It is a venue most associated with motorbikes and a bike race was taking place behind us while we were there.”