TWO friends are set to embark on a tour across Europe in a run-down car for charity.

Peter Boulton and Malcolm Chester bought an old Bedford Rascal for £300 and will drive from Dover to Portugal for Derian House Children's Hospice.

The pair will travel 2,500 miles across six days, taking part in the Banger Bust Up challenge, starting in May.

Teams must buy a small car for less than £500, with an engine size of no more than 1200cc and no more than three doors.

If the car makes it, the pair will travel across France, stopping off at Chateauroux and Toulouse, over the Pyrenees to Spain and through Andorra to Madrid.

The final day will see them reach the finish line in Portugal and enjoy a BBQ beach party, with the winning team securing a £500 prize for the charity of their choice.

Derian House Children’s Hospice offers respite and end-of-life care to more than 400 children from across the north west.

Mr Boulton said: “We can’t wait to get going and hopefully raise lots of money for Derian House, our goal is to raise £2,500.

“The idea came about after I arrived back home from my last charity challenge.

"My friend Malcolm sent me the link to this and I thought: ‘Why not?’ We’re both crackers – we’ll do anything for a laugh.

"I think the hardest part will be sleeping in a tent every night.

"It’s all been self-funded and we even plan on driving it all the way back too."

Veteran charity fundraiser Mr Boulton, 68, is no stranger to madcap challenges for good causes, last year he raised more than £8,000 for Derian House cycling across Cuba.

The thrill-seeker has also previously raised £50,000 for charities in the north west by taking part in international fundraising events including a dog sled expedition across Lapland, scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, travelling to Everest Base Camp, and cycling challenges from Vietnam to Cambodia and also across India.

Kevin Bedford, fundraising manager at the hospice, said: “Peter and Malcolm’s challenge for Derian House is really inspiring and the money they raise will make a real difference to the children and young people we care for.

“Derian House Children’s Hospice supports more than 400 children with life limiting conditions across Lancashire, with respite and end-of-life care.

"Our aim is to give children the very best care, and help families create happy memories together to last a lifetime.”

To sponsor the pair, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bangerbustup.