DRIVE FOR GREAT ORMOND STREET

TV star Louise Brady today publicised Great Ormond Street Hospital's annual driving challenge to Beaujolais in November with a photocall atop a red 1974 V-12 E-type Jaguar Roadster from the 'Classic Car Club' fleet.

The GOSHCC Driving Challenge is a test of navigational skill, rather than speed, and Louise said "Women are natural born planners with instincts like homing pigeons."

"Girls will do their homework, and plot and plan co-ordinates, whereas most men will be more concerned with getting the car there as fast as they can. All this rubbish about women not being able to drive or read maps is imagined by testosterone-fuelled blokes down the pub who like to think that the road belongs to them."

The challenge itself sets off on November 19th at 7pm with a 'Le Mans' style start at Brands Hatch. After a buffet dinner, participants are invited to drive 500 miles through the night to Macon, in the heart of Beaujolais country, by the shortest route possible.

Mission accomplished, all contestants are then wined and dined at the picturesque Maison de Lamartine, while the winner has the honour of opening the first bottle of this year's Beaujolais Nouveau. Everyone then joins in the local celebrations and fireworks at the traditional Beaujolais Release Fete in Beaujeu.

There are some fantastic prizes on offer, including a track session in a Jaguar XKR 450 with Paramount Performance and a weekend in the car of the winner's choice from the 'Classic Car Club' fleet.

"The tortoise really can beat the hare in this race - it's about strategy, not speed, and the winning team need to be good at reading maps, not burning rubber," said Kate Goldman, the event organiser.

Teams of two can enter for £450 and are asked to raise a suggested minimum of £1,000 in sponsorship for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. Additional passengers can travel at a cost of £225 per person. Contact Kate Goldman on 020 7916 5678 for more details or email goldmank@gosh.nhs.uk.