31105-32ADVENTURE seekers Stuart Hepburn and Michael Berry will be driving through eight countries in a clapped out old banger.

They are appealing for someone to donate a left-hand drive car so they can take part to the Plymouth to Dakar Challenge at the end of the year.

Part holiday, part charitable venture, they must travel through France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Senegal, the Gambia and Mauritania in 21 days. The route covers 3,800 miles and goes through harsh desert terrain.

The challenge has some perverse rules, namely that the cars taking part must cost no more than £100.

Stuart, 43, of Blunsdon, said he wanted to do something daring as well as raise money for a good cause.

"You get to my age and you want to do something different," he said.

"I wanted to say I had seen some of the world and done something with my life.

"It is a lot easier for young people to go travelling these days but it wasn't heard of when I was younger.

"We are really looking forward to it, that's all Michael and I have been talking about since we were selected.

Stuart, who has a one-year-old son called Elliot, said his wife Deborah was fully supporting his odyssey.

Michael, 45, also of Blunsdon, will be sharing the driving on the epic journey.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be a big adventure. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

The self employed paint-sprayer is not worried about breaking down in the middle of the desert because they will be travelling in small convoys.

He said: "That's part of the fun and it adds to the camaraderie of it all as I'm sure other participants will help us if we get into trouble."

His two children, Charlotte, eight, and James, six, as well as partner Helen, are backing him all the way.

The duo needs a left hand car because right-hand ones are not permitted in Senegal.

Stuart's employer, Smith's Interconnecter, has already sponsored them to the tune of £5,000.

They are appealing for other Swindon businesses to support them as well. Any monies raised will benefit registered charities in Gambia.

And once they reach their destinations, the cars that survive the trip in one piece will be auctioned for local charities, before the participants fly home.

If you can help call Stuart on Swindon 706749.

Bhavani Vadde