Brands Hatch hosted its ninth annual Villagers' Day event last Sunday (3 February), raising over £2,500 for the local community.

The event, which is open to anyone living within one mile of the circuit, is a chance for local residents to enjoy activities offered by the venue, in aid of a good cause. Over 450 visitors took part in the event during the day.

Visitors were able to get behind the wheel of some of the circuit's driving experience vehicles including the BMW M3, Peugeot 206 rally car and Land Rover Defender.

Other activities included flying passenger laps in a Palmer Jaguar Le Mans-style sports car, driven by an expert Brands Hatch instructor, plus YoungDrive MINIs for younger visitors. Residents were also able to take advantage of track walks during the day.

The Brands Hatch Liaison Group headed by MotorSport Vision's Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer, chose Darent Valley Age Concern as this year's beneficiary. Each activity attracted a fee of £6, which went towards the local charity.

Brands Hatch circuit manager Mike Groves was pleased with the turnout: "It was great to see so many residents at Brands Hatch to support the 2013 Villagers' Day.  The event is an ideal opportunity for us to engage with the local community and to say thank you to the residents for all their continued support.  I look forward to welcoming them back to the numerous major events occurring at Brands Hatch this season."