TWO racing cars made a pit stop in Swindon to the delight of awestruck youngsters.

The only disappointment for the school pupils was that driver Jenson Button was unable to make the event despite being invited.

But children from Shaw Ridge Primary School were left more than happy with their up close and personal experience with some of the fastest racing cars in the world.

Pupil Jack Ludlow, eight, said: "I would like to be a grand prix driver - it was really exciting - I have seen fast cars before, but this was something a bit special."

The 330 children, aged between five and 11 years old, piled into the Link Centre sports hall in West Swindon to see the Honda and GP2 series Formula 1 cars on display, though both are currently only used for show purposes.

Josh West, seven, sat behind the wheel of the GP2 car. "I put my foot inside the car, I put it in the place where he told me to put it, but it really hurt, it wasn't very comfortable - but it was good fun" he said.

The event was part of a drawing competition organised by Bridgestone Europe as part of their drive to improve car safety and environmental awareness.

Sally Cowell, headteacher at Shaw Ridge Primary School, said: "This is one of those once in a lifetime experiences - it's rare that the children get a chance to be close to something they see on the television."