A TEAM of AA men from North Yorkshire have embarked on a charity challenge to take a former clapped-out car on a 3,000 mile trek across Europe.

The "busman's holiday" will see the group pass through nine countries in three days, travelling as far as northern Italy.

Vehicle of choice for area manager Dave Gauntley, of Harrogate, and patrolmen Mike Fletcher, of York, Nigel Hasan, of Ripon, and Melvyn Langford, of Easingwold, is a white L-reg VW Passat.

Two other teams, from the North-East and Yorkshire, will be joining them on the trip, which is in aid of Cancer Research UK, the AA's chosen charity this year.

The cause strikes a chord with Melvyn, who lost a friend in his 30s to the disease.

This is the first time the AA patrolmen have put their technical skills to the test as part of their fundraising efforts.

The three teams all had a budget of £100 to buy and fix up each car, and with the help of local garages and part suppliers Partco, and their own hard work, they have transformed them into roadworthy vehicles.

They have already raised more than £3,000 for the charity and will pay all petrol expenses themselves.

They hope to boost their fundraising efforts further by auctioning the cars when they return.

Updated: 10:34 Friday, May 07, 2004