A weekly newspaper journalist is taking part in a 2,300-mile charity ‘banger’ rally.

Andrew Wakefield, deputy communities content editor at Johnston Press North Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, will cross eight countries in a bid to raise £750 for the Children’s Air Ambulance.

He will join friend Eliot Broomfield in attempting the Motoscape Rally in an old £500 Saab estate car, which they will also sleep in after each leg of their journey to help increase their charity tally.

From the start line in Saint Omer, France their route will take in highlights such as the Stelvio Pass – which, with its 60 hairpin bends to negotiate, was voted the best driving road in the world by Top Gear in 2008 – to the chequered flag in Venice.

Andrew, left, and Eliot will take on the challenge in September

Other highlights include an opportunity to drive around the famous Nürburgring, which has hosted the German and European Formula 1 Grand Prix races.

Andrew, 37, told the Derbyshire Times: “We were looking for some kind of adventure to tackle and with Eliot’s experience as a mechanic and my ‘can do’ attitude I’m sure we have everything we need to help us across the finish line.

“With hindsight we could have given ourselves more time to plan for the trip – we have just over two months to gather supplies and ensure our transport is up to scratch – however it does somewhat add to the chaos and adventure.”

If the journey goes to plan the team, knowns as the ‘Lamborgoonies’, will return in their budget motor to the UK.

To sponsor them, click here.