An intrepid retired couple are gearing up for a 1,000-mile drive in their Morris Minor to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Julian and Susie Marshall, from Common Road, Malmesbury, will be joined by their 13-year-old grandson Isaac as they attempt to drive through all five UK capital cities.

Up to 16 Morris Minors will set off from Malmesbury Town Hall on Saturday July 24 with six hoping to complete the route which takes in Cardiff, Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh and London.

The group, all members of the morris Minors Owners Club, will be camping each night during the eight-day trip.

Mr Marshall, 70, a former chartered engineer, came up with the idea last year. He said: “I really wanted to give my grandson a big adventure that he would remember for the rest of his life.

“He lives in Derbyshire and is counting down the days till we set off.

“I also had a brother-in-law who died recently from heart problems so we wanted to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.”

Dave Waters, chairman of the North Wiltshire Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club suffered a heart attack two years ago and will also be taking part in the drive.

Mr Marshall is hopeful that his vintage motor will survive the gruelling trip.

He said: “Although I use the car most days the furthest I’ve ever been in it is Cirencester.”

Retired nurse Mrs Marshall said she thought her camping days were behind her. She said: “We bought a caravan 20 years ago and I thought that would be the last camping I ever did.”

The cars depart from the town hall at 10am on July 24 with a send off from Mayor Patrick Goldstone and the town crier.