TWO friends are preparing for an epic drive to Barcelona and back in an old banger to raise money for charity.

Paul Belcher from Rodbourne Cheney and Callum Luker from Haydon Wick have known each other since high school and decided to take on a ‘Top Gear’-style challenge to support two charities which are close to their hearts.

The 25-year-olds will be driving to Rouen in France on Thursday September 7 to take part in a four-day Banger Rally to Barcelona via Bordeaux and Andorra, then drive all the way back to Swindon.

The Barcelona or Bust rally will involve a series of motoring and fancy dress challenges which the duo will film to follow in the footsteps of Jeremy Clarkson and co.

They’ll be driving in a £400 Renault Scenic they bought from a Swindon resident.

Paul is raising money for Prospect Hospice and Callum is fundraising for the British Heart Foundation, a charity which he has supported for many years.

Paul said: “My aunt was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer earlier this year and she received palliative care from Prospect Hospice before she passed away.

“The staff were really good, she was very well cared-for and she always talked about how good the full English breakfast was, which she had every day.

“This challenge is like my dedication to her, I’m giving something back to Prospect for helping my mum and aunt through the hardest times of their lives.”

Paul explained why he decided to go on this cross-continental journey.

He said: “My friend and I were both big fans of Top Gear and watched movies like ‘Monte Carlo or Bust’ so when I stumbled across the rally online, I asked if he wanted to do it and he said yes.

“We thought we could go on an adventure and raise money for a good cause.

“We’ve never driven on the continent before and, of course, we’ve never driven 2,200 miles in five days before.

“We’re masochists, it’s going to be one hell of a challenge.

Paul and Callum will be camping in their car while they’re on the road in order to save money and allow more of the money they raise to go to charity.

Paul added: “The car is in pretty good nick, it drives okay and the steering’s a bit stiff but for £400 we got quite a bargain.

“We’re really good friends and we’ve known each other since high school but it’ll be difficult, there won’t be much privacy and I’m a bit of a backseat driver.

“Everyone we’ve spoken to is really excited and said it sounds like really good fun.”

To donate, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/barcelona-or-bust-for-prospect-hospice