Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart has told how proud he is to be from Dumbarton.

Sir Jackie was speaking as his 80th birthday approaches on June 11.

He said: "I am very proud to be from West Dunbartonshire as, of course, I was brought up, schooled and worked there until I was 29 years old.

"I am very proud to be a Scot and a Dumbartonian and I still get back as often as I can.”

Now the public are getting the chance to celebrate Sir Jackie's achievements - and his milestone birthday - at a walk in Dumbarton’s Levengrove Park on the same day he turns 80.

The Grand Prix Walk invites residents to take part in a one, two or three mile circuit of the park – a mile for each of the three World Championship titles Sir Jackie won throughout his career.

The free event, organised by West Dunbartonshire Council and The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland, has also been arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first of his wins, in 1969.

Sir Jackie said: “I am so touched that so many people are up for the challenge of the Grand Prix Walk and send a big thank you to everyone from West Dunbartonshire Council’s Greenspace Team, as well as the Sporting Memories Foundation for organising it.

“This event is taking place on my 80th birthday, so I hope you will excuse my absence."

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “Sir Jackie Stewart is one of the most successful Scottish sportsmen ever and he is from West Dunbartonshire so it’s fitting that we pay tribute to his achievements 50 years on."

Councillor Marie McNair, vice convener, said: "I hope Sir Jackie’s successes inspire our residents to increase their physical activity as it has a real benefit to our mental health and wellbeing.”

The walk will also help raise the profile of Sir Jackie’s charity foundation, Race Against Dementia, which he set up following his wife Helen’s diagnosis with the disease.

Walkers are asked to meet outside the Levengrove Pavilion on June 11 at 10.50am. Walk leaders will start the walk at 11am and the event is expected to last until 1pm.

The route is suitable for all, including wheelchair users.

To sign up for the free event, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Grand Prix Walk in Celebration of Sir Jackie Stewart.