A DRIVER has beaten her husband and son to become the first female winner of a motoring test for vintage and classic cars.

Organisers of the 31st Beamish Safety and Reliability Run have tallied up the points and declared Darlington's Eileen Bruce the winner.

A run regular, Mrs Bruce, who drove a 1937 Riley Falcon over the 150-mile route, edged out last year's winner, Andrew Raine, of Spennymoor, by a single point to win the Beamish Enthusiasts' Cup.

She also finished 20 points ahead of husband Allan, who was at the wheel of a 1925 Austin Chummy for the event with son Alec navigating.

Mrs Bruce said: "I first took part in the race in 1983 and have always wanted to be the first female winner.

"My navigator is my friend, Rose Brady, who I have known since 1961. We obviously make a good team and it was amazing to win."

Mrs Bruce's husband has been competing since 1976 but he was very gracious in defeat.

She said: "He was great when he heard the result. He has won three times before and was very proud of me."

Run stalwart George Jolley said everyone at the race was delighted with the result.

He said: "A woman was going to win at some stage, but I think everyone is pleased it was Eileen who achieved it because she and Allan have been such enthusiastic competitors over the years.

"She certainly put one over Allan, although the chances were that her stylish Riley would finish ahead of his Austin Chummy, which I've heard described as 'a biscuit tin on wheels'."

Mr Jolley said the run proved a success with only five non-finishers from the 101 starters, all vehicles registered before 1954.

"It's not a bad achievement considering the vehicles are, on average, well over 50 years old.

"The whole day went well and most people were pleased to see it back over its traditional course after we curtailed the route last year because of foot-and-mouth."