WHEN you accept a lift from a stunt driver the journey is never straightforward.

And when that stunt driver is none other than Top Gear's Paul Swift you should be prepared for all manner of other directions.

The Northern Echo:

Chris Evans, driving, greets the crowds in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Photo: Matt Westcott

The Darlington track ace and his team were some of the stars of CarFest North, the motoring extravaganza dreamed up by Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans which raises millions of pounds for the charity Children in Need.

Held at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire, CarFest North attracted a massive audience of motoring and music fans, young and old.

Many of them gathered trackside to watch Swift and his team-mates perform a daring high-speed routine.

The Northern Echo:

One of the cars takes to the track during CarFest North. Photo: Matt Westcott

Northern Echo motoring writer, Matt Westcott came along for the ride.

"While Paul is the consummate professional and you know he is capable of completing some of the most intricate manouevres known to man, your brain is never quite convinced that getting in alongside him is a good idea," said Matt afterwards.

"While it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, it also left some of my internal organs in areas other than where they are more usually found."

For more on Paul and his team visit his website here