A FATHER and son turned a rally into a family affair as they teamed up to race together for the very first time.

Veteran speedster Barrie Marshall, 66, was a champion speedster in the 1980s taking on all comers in the Association of Eastern Motor Clubs rally with co-driver Tony Hearnden.

Earlier this year, the pair rolled back the years to enter the Corbeau Seats Rally through the streets of Tendring because Barrie's son Oliver, 35, was deemed too inexperienced to be his co-driver.

But now the younger Mr Marshall has racked up enough training and was allowed to join his dad as they zoomed through the Rix Engineering Wethersfield Stages Rally at the weekend.

He performed admirably on his debut as the father and son team secured a 39th place finish

Barrie, who lives in Great Horkesley, said it was a special moment to have his son alongside him.

"It was Oliver's first time on a rally - he learnt quickly how to co-drive accurately and was smiling all day.

"Our position was not too bad for a car with just 50 brake horsepower, and we are now planning a more powerful engine for their Micra for the 2020 season which starts in January at Snetterton Race Circuit.

"For me it was a very special day to be able to give my middle son Oliver a taste of the motorsport I have loved to be part of since the mid 1970s.

"It was a very special father and son occasion."

The event was won by Stephen and Jack Tilburn who competed in a Ford Escort Mark Two.