A FORMER Manchester United and Cherries player will be making a bid for glory at tomorrow’s Ringwood Pedal Car Grand Prix.

Russell Beardsmore, who now lives in Ringwood, has signed up to join in the fun with team 42 Eyecatcher Signs.

The 42-year-old footballer-turned-coach has been busy with final last-minute training this week.

Friend and fellow teammate Mark Reeves, from Allied Tooling, in Poole, said: “Russell told me he was interested in taking part and I said he’d have no problem as he’s quite fit.

“Because he’s so busy all the practicing has been a bit last minute, but I reckon we will be all right.”

The pair became friends when Mr Reeves managed Ringwood Town Football Club.

Mr Reeves, who has raced before, has spent six months doing up the car and has fitted a new cog to make it go faster.

Adrian Watson and Phil Matthews, of sponsors Eyecatcher Signs, make up the rest of the crew. Thanks go to Martin Cherrett of AFC Welding, who provides teams with help and advice each year.

Around 15,000 spectators are expected to turn up for the wacky race, which kicks off in Market Place from 11.15am.

Hot on Russell’s heels will be teams from Raymond Brown, Superior, Black Arrows, Goadsby and Dutchy Taxis Junior.

Daily Echo reporter Harriet Marsh is taking part with Royce UK and our sales team will have a stand at the event all day.

Today is the Concours d’Elegance, including the crowning of the Ringwood Princess and judging for the best designed car.

It is also a chance for people to have a good look at the cars before they whizz around the track at crazy speeds tomorrow.