ANN Widdecombe was the special guest marshall at the Macmillan Centenary Dartmoor Car Rally and Scatter Quiz last Sunday.

The former cabinet minister, who gained cult status on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing last year, waved the Union Jack flag for cars leaving Chagford Market on Sunday morning.

The 40 entrants drove a range of vehicles, following a 60-mile circular route that led from the market, taking in some of the best views in the area before arriving at the National Trust's Castle Drogo for a well earned cuppa and look around the property.

The clerk of the course was Anna Imrie. She was impressed with how the day turned out: 'Everything went very well indeed. I have to say that Ann Widdecombe was an absolute delight.

'She was great on the starting line, and took the time to go around to each person taking part in the rally and have a chat with them. She really helped to make the afternoon.

'The range of vehicles was great, from classic sports cars to vintage 4x4s, and modern super-cars, we had everything!

'Rendells Auctioneers were absolutely brilliant also. They allowed us to use their market space for free, which was so generous of them and we appreciate it a lot.

'The Scatter Quiz went very well and helped raise more money. We think we have about five winners, so we are going to pull the ultimate winner's name out of a hat to decide who won the quiz.'

The event was held to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in its centenary year. To celebrate the landmark the charity have encouraged fundraisers to hold special events like the Dartmoor Car Rally.

The charity was founded in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan. Douglas watched his father die of cancer, and was moved so much he founded the 'Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer'.

Anna said: 'The day's events raised approximately £800 for the charity, which is marvellous. We're all very happy with that total, and enjoyed the day thoroughly.'