TWO brothers are gearing up to travel across Europe in an old banger to raise thousands of pounds for soldiers wounded by war.

John Batty, 41, and his brother Steve, 40, from Scunthorpe, are preparing for the ride of their lives in a £200 car which they are hoping will take them from Calais to Barcelona in the Barcelona Bangers Rally.

The duo are taking part in the 920-mile event in a 15-year-old BMW 316 and are aiming to raise more than £2,000 for Help for Heroes.

John, who was a soldier with the Royal Artillery, said it is going to take a lot of grit and determination to complete the three-day event.

"We are currently going through the car with a fine tooth comb to ensure it is in the best possible condition before we set off," he said.

"The rules of the rally are that the car cannot be worth more than £200 so as you can imagine it is going to be a harsh push to reach the finish line with the car in one piece."

John, who is a lorry driver for Cemex, said his mechanical knowledge will be put to good use along the way to ensure the newly decorated car makes it to Barcelona.

He said: "I have always been interested in mechanics and being a lorry driver I spent a lot of time on the road.

"I hope that this experience will help us along the way.

"I am really looking forward to the fantastic sights we are going to see such as the French Alps and Monte Carlo.

"The Grand Prix in Monaco coincides with our rally so it will be hilarious to see all the bangers passing through the streets along with Ferraris and Lamborghinis."

For more information about their plight to raise £2,000 visit www.justgiving.com/john-batty.

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