DRIVER Julian Marshall is hoping a 40-year-old Morris Minor will help him raise cash for a youth charity when he takes it on a gruelling 850-mile trek from one end of Britain to the other.

The car, called Mrs Morris, is taking part in a Morris rally from John O' Groats to Land's End.

Mr Marshall, 62, of Common Road, Malmesbury, is being sponsored in aid of Malmesbury Area Youth Support.

And with a 650-mile trip just to get to the start line, plus a 250-mile trip back home after the rally, Mr Marshall added it was not just the car that would find clocking up almost 2,000 miles a trial. He said: "I already have quite a stiff back and I have a feeling I am going to be sore all over by the time I get home."

The 1963 Minor 1000, two-door saloon will be tested to its limits by Mr Marshall and co-driver Paul Harris, 61, from Cheltenham, who will take it in turns to tackle the highways and byways of Britain.

"I have already tested the car on the long trip down to Land's End and we broke down on the motorway because of the fuel pump," said Mr Marshall.

"That was quite a jittery experience, I hope it doesn't happen on the main trip.

"I am awaiting a list of spares to take with me from the Morris Minor club and a fuel pump will be among those parts."

The rally begins at John O' Groats at 11am on June 24 and should finish at 11am the next day, providing Mrs Morris holds out.

Mrs Morris has had a few alterations to increase safety. Better suspension and brakes will mean a smoother ride for her passengers and a new five-speed box to replace the standard box will reduce revs at high speeds.

The car has also had a lick of paint so she looks her best throughout the trip.

Mr Marshall's wife, Susie, said: "I think this is a very good challenge for Julian. He is always game for things like this. The car is his baby, but I have no doubt that if they break down around here I'll have to go and rescue him."

The trip is aimed at raising money for MAYS, a charity which provides support to young people aged between 12 and 25 with concerns about bullying, family problems, drugs and alcohol abuse, and who are living in the Malmesbury School catchment area.

Louise Sivil is the manager of the group. She was delighted that Mr Marshall had decided to do the rally on behalf MAYS.

She said: "I think it is great, the money will be a real help in supporting the work we do at MAYS."

The money will be spent on schemes such as peer mentoring groups that have just been established to help youngsters in primary school adjust to life at Malmesbury School, said Ms Sivil.

Year eight pupils at Malmesbury school are being trained for a series of special visits to primary schools at the end of this month to give talks and play games with children who will start at the comprehensive in September.

Ms Sivil said the leap from primary school to the high school can be difficult for children, especially when as few as five pupils from outlying villages will make the trip.

She said: "It is meant to be fun and the volunteers from Malmesbury School will be trying to make friends and get to know the names of the children who will be going to high school so there can be regular contact when they arrive."

The scheme is an extension of a system of peer mentoring set up within Malmesbury School last year.

Headteacher at Lea and Garsdon School Elizabeth Bowyer said: "We are pleased that this scheme gives children a chance to clear up any concerns or fears have before they move on. There are a lot of children that come from the surrounding villages and they are very supportive of each other."

cramos@newswilts.co.uk