THE hum of classic 1950s-era racing cars could be heard in Farnham town centre on Sunday, as thousands of spectators gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mike Hawthorn - nicknamed the ‘Farnham Flyer’ - becoming Britain’s first Formula One world champion.

The Grand Prix de Farnham 2018 saw classic cars parade through the town, starting from Long Bridge and making their way to Union Road, Downing Street, The Borough, Woolmead, East Street, South Street and back to Union Road.

As photographed, some of the cars seen roaring around the town centre included a D-Type Jaguar, a replica of Mike’s Mk I Jaguar 3.4, a 1939 HRG and a Riley Ulster Imp which Mike raced at the start of his career.

Michael Dimond attended the event with Ann Dimond and said: “I’ve got a Jaguar myself, a 1985 XJS Cabriolet and I know some of the people who are actually in the parade today.

“So that is why we’ve come along, and to support Farnham and of course the man himself.”

Rob Ellis went along to the parade with his five year-old daughter Georgia to support his parents, who were taking part in their TR3A.

His parents had also taken part in the 2009 event, which marked the 50th anniversary of Hawthorn’s untimely death.

During the parade, Rob said: “He [Rob’s dad] does quite a lot of different events around with the TR register so it’s nice to do something that’s local as well I think.

“I think she [Georgia] is looking forward to seeing her grandma and grandpa go by.”

The Covington family (Ashley, Kirstin and daughter Isabel) also watched the classic cars roar through town. During the parade, seven year-old Isabel said she was enjoying seeing all the cars, especially the old police cars.

Four young car enthusiasts, Joshua Horsnell, Olly Horsnell, Carter Goodacre and Jacob Goodacre, were quick to point out that Mike Hawthorn had also been a student at Barfield School, where the boys currently attend.

Keith Mercer, who led the parade in his West Yorkshire police car, said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever done it and it’s been absolutely brilliant.

“It’s nice to celebrate someone like that, someone special.”

After the parade, cars were lined up for a public static display in the Farnham Maltings car park, allowing members of the public to get a better look at the vehicles and meet the drivers.

Jean Sibley, who took part in the parade, said at the display: “It’s been very enjoyable and it’s a pleasure actually because it’s doing something all to do with, obviously, Mike Hawthorn.

“We’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I’m hoping all the crowds and everybody who stood and watched enjoyed it as well!”