Morris minor loving couple Julian and Susie Marshall from Malmesbury have set off on a 1000 mile drive through all five capitals of the British Isles.

They were given a proper send off by their friends in the North Wiltshire Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club on Saturday when 15 classic cars followed them out of Malmesbury.

Some of them accompanied them as far as the Welsh border where they were met by a special Morris Minor police car which had received permission from the South Wales Constabulary to use it’s blues and twos.

Branch Chairman David Waters was in Malmesbury to see them off.

He said: “I think everyone was quite excited for them, it is a real adventure.

“This has been Julian’s baby from day one, he thought up the idea about two years ago.

“He’s just turned 70 so he should be congratulated for taking the whole thing on.

“I’m an enthusiast but it was a magnificent sight seeing all the Morris Minors driving through Malmesbury.

“Wherever we go we always seem to get people stopping us.

“They are a very popular car.”

The retired couple are being joined by their 13-year-old son Isaac from Derbyshire in the week long drive around the UK.

They plan on arriving back in Malmesbury for the Eilmer Kite Festival on Sunday at 2pm.

Mr Waters said: “It will take something to time it exactly right but if they can get back around then I think they’ll be happy.

“They will be doing 1000 miles in a week and some people don’t do that in a month in their modern cars.

“Hopefully they won’t have any major problems.”

They are raising money for the Heart Foundation.

Mr Waters said: “I’m really pleased the Heart Foundation will be benefiting.

“I had a heart attack myself a few years ago.

“So far they have raised £1200 with some more to come which isn’t bad for a few little Morris Minors.”

To sponsor them visit www.justgiving.com/5CAPITALS.