BERTIE the classic car will be dressed to impress as part of Tavistock’s efforts to raise awareness of the charity Brain Tumour Research.

Along with his owner Dotty King, Bertie the Austin A35 is getting into gear for the Wear a Hat event which will be under starters orders at Tavistock Pannier Market on Friday, March 31.

Baker Dotty said: ‘Nearly all of the market’s regular traders will be donning their favourite hats to take part in the event. I’m working on some special cakes finished with top hats and JoJo Hats will be on hand to provide suitable headwear for anyone who finds themselves without a hat on the day.

‘We are hoping that as many people visiting the market will take part, sporting hats, making donations and having #hatselfies taken in our photo booth.’

Wear A Hat Day was launched by the charity Brain Tumour Research and is the culmination of Brain Tumour Awareness Month. The big day will see schools, workplaces, families and individuals across the region fundraising and taking part in fun events to raise awareness of brain tumours and help fund life-saving research.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Funds raised through Wear A Hat Day 2017 will develop the charity’s network of world-class brain tumour research centres in the UK including one at the University of Plymouth.

To get involved or donate, visit www.wearahatday.org or text HAT to 70660 to donate £5.