A youngster was in pole position as Bernie Ecclestone’s VIP guest at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Jacob Hare, 12, from Horton Kirby, and his family joined a small group of other Great Ormond Street Hospital patients who are fanatical about the sport for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at one of the racing calendar’s most exciting events.

The day trip was organised for the hospital’s children’s charity and Jacob watched practice sessions and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the paddock, where he met world champion Lewis Hamilton and former drivers, now commentators, Damon Hill and Martin Brundle.

Jacob’s mum Louise said: “We had a fantastic day at Silverstone. Jacob was so excited to see what happens behind the scenes and meet some Formula 1 heroes.”

Jacob has retinal dystrophy, which means he is severely visually impaired.