SHOCKING frocks will be on display next month when a group of York bus drivers get behind the wheel at the Marie Curie Driving Challenge.

The two-day fundraising event has been only open to women in the past, but this year men are eligible to take part in the event on Saturday, June 21, with Sunday, June 22, reserved for the women.

However, bus drivers from York bus firm First are working on the Saturday so they have vowed to turn up on the Sunday dressed in frocks to compete in the event as 'honorary women'.

The brave men are also promising to have their legs waxed if the people of York and North Yorkshire sponsor them.

Marie Curie Nurse of the Year, Jayne Unwin, was in York to launch the Driving Challenge - an annual event which gives people the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an assortment of vehicles while raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The weekend challenge will be held at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Vehicles available to drive will include police cars, fire engines, excavators and HGVs.

Paul Fryer, regional fundraising manager for Marie Curie, said: "This event is all about people joining together for a fun day out. Every person taking part will be actively helping to fund the 61 Marie Curie nurses in North Yorkshire, who last year gave practical nursing care in patients' own homes to over 300 local people with cancer, free of charge."

Participants are sponsored to drive as individuals or as a team. Awards will be given to top fundraisers and drivers.

For information and an application form phone Paul Fryer on 01904 621000.

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, May 22, 2003