THE original Stig has been revealed as the mystery guest at the inaugural Wheels Gala Dinner.

Racing driver Perry McCarthy appeared in 22 episodes of the BBC Top Gear series as the original black-suited Stig.

He was eventually 'killed off' while attempting to race to 100mph then stop on the flight deck of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Invincible.

The Coastal BID, title sponsor for the 2016 Wheels Festival, is hosting the first ever Wheels Gala Dinner on Friday, June 3, at the Pavilion in Bournemouth.

Chairman of The Coastal Bid, Paul Clarke, said: "We are very proud to welcome Perry McCarthy, the original Stig, as the main after dinner speaker and VIP guest at our very first Wheels Gala Dinner.

"This promises to be a night not to be missed – a real showcase event to celebrate the eventful town that we live and work in. This is destined to be sold-out event.

"The Wheels Gala Dinner will be a black tie , exclusive event, guests will be treated to a three-course meal with wine, not to mention spectacular cars, entertainment and more.”

Mr McCarthy was cast as Stig following a chance meeting with Jeremy Clarkson in 2002, at the launch of his autobiography, Flat Out, Flat Broke: Formula 1 the Hard Way.

Now he works the after dinner circuit, as a corporate ambassador and speaker for major corporations around the world.

His speeches are fast paced and include tales of his time on Top Gear and in F1.

The Bournemouth Wheels Festival, which includes non-stop, high speed action along the demonstration straight, monster metal crushing madness, gravity defying quad bike jumps and breathtaking BMX and skateboard tricks, rolls into town for its third year from June 3-5.

To purchase gala dinner tickets go to http://bournemouthgoldenticket.co.uk.