THREE Bournemouth pensioners are counting down the hours until this week’s Top Gear – as they star on the show.

Barbara Littlewood, Miriam Ridgers and Betty Barnes took a test drive in a car designed by the BBC show’s stars Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson, during the team’s stint filming in the area last year.

The presenters were taking on a special challenge – to design a car especially tailored to older people.

Barbara, Miriam and Betty were driven to a variety of activities in the car before being returned safely home to Sunrise Senior Living of Southbourne, where they all live.

The ladies joined their Top Gear friends again this week, visiting the studios for the day on Wednesday.

The programme they appeared in will be shown tomorrow at 8pm on BBC2.

Barbara said the ladies had a wonderful time.

“I felt privileged to be there and I got on really well with Jeremy and Richard,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to showing my family the finished programme.”

She added: “Thank you so much to the team who asked me to do it – you don’t become a television star every day.”

Betty was particularly taken with two of the Top Gear team.

“The highlight was meeting Jeremy and Richard,” she said.

Ray Woodill, director of community relations at Sunrise of Southbourne, said: “All the residents here had a fantastic time with the Top Gear crew.

“The cars they designed had some interesting features and I’m sure viewers will be impressed.

“Barbara, Miriam and Betty couldn’t wait to get down to the studios this week and we’re counting down the days until Sunday when we can see the show in full.

“The ladies enjoyed the ride, although found Captain Slow’s driving style to be a bit pedestrian.”