Morris minor loving couple Julian and Susie Marshall from Malmesbury have set off on a 1,000 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 its 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 grandson Isaac from Derbyshire in the week long drive around the UK.

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

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 £1, 200.” To sponsor them visit www.just giving.com/5CAPITALS.