Steve Langley and Rob Houlding are taking part in the Italian Job car rally which will see them drive more than 3,000 miles from Italy to Britain in a classic Mini Cooper.

They will be joining more than 100 other Minis in the sponsored rally inspired by the 1969 film starring Michael Caine.

The money they raise will go to a range of children's charities and Steve and Rob have already raised £2,000.

Businessman Steve, 50, from Wolviston, near Hartlepool, decided to enter with his Mini Cooper Sport after learning about the event on the internet.

He then enlisted his friend Rob, a former lecturer at Hartlepool Sixth Form College, to take part.

Steve said: "It is going to be a fun and exciting time but it is also going to be extremely uncomfortable.

"We will be driving around 3,500 miles in a little Mini which has got limited suspension so we will feel every bump in the road."

The rally leaves Imola, in Italy, on Friday, October 24, and ends with a black tie dinner in Ashford, Kent, where local wine collected earlier on the journey will be auctioned.

Michael Caine and Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson are among the event's patrons. Rob, 54, of Jubilee Grove, Billingham, is a former head of art at Hartlepool Sixth Form College.

He said: "I had heard of it before but not having a Mini Cooper I thought I would never get the opportunity to take part.

"I really enjoyed the film and I am looking forward to it. But it is not a lads' holiday.

"The most important thing is that we are raising money for a children's charity."

Over the years, the event has attracted entrants from all over the world and raised over £1million for charities including Kids Out which provides life enriching experiences for UK children.

Anyone who wants to sponsor the pair can contact Steve on 07779 785711 or Rob on 07944 85440.