Duo take on Top Gear-style old car Alps challenge

Two men are set for a Top Gear-style challenge when they drive an old banger across the Alps for charity.

Ashley Brough was tasked with buying a car for £1,000 or less, so he could take part in the Rusty Rally organised by young people's charity The Outward Bound Trust.

He and friend Wayne Murcott, from Shenstone, Staffordshire, will be one of 10 teams on the four-day tour, which will take the convoy through France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Austria.

Mr Brough, from Uttoxeter, told BBC Radio Stoke he had decided to take on a 25-year-old Mercedes diesel estate car, which "smelled like someone had died in it" when he got it,

"I've been using a lot of air fresheners," he said.

"My wife calls it a hearse. It was pretty ropey, I'll be honest with you, but I think that's the beauty of the challenge."

'Stunning scenery'

The adventure begins in Annecy, France on Wednesday, with Mr Brough and Mr Murcott driving under the team name "Les Knobbies".

As part of preparations, the vehicle has been checked over by local dealership Angus MacKinnon and Mr Brough said that while he was a "little bit worried", he was confident he would not have a brake or tyre failure.

"It's going to be bittersweet, because in one half of my mind I'm going to be worried to death that were going to be breaking down," he said.

"On the other hand, it's going to be the most stunning scenery that I'll be taking in."

Mr Brough, who chairs The Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, has already raised more than £10,000 for The Outward Bound Trust so far, with the event as a whole aiming to raise £100,000.

The charity runs outdoor adventures and courses for young people with the aim of encouraging them to get out of their comfort zone.