A MARATHON Beetle drive and mountain climb by a dynamic York duo has raised thousands of pounds of charity cash.

Simon Haddock teamed up with his brother-in-law, Tim Wright, and his beloved 1973 VW Beetle, Rosie, clocking up 2,000 miles during their trip from Land's End to John O'Groats.

But as if that was not enough, the duo stopped off on the way to scale the highest mountains in England and Scotland, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.

As a result of their efforts, they raised more than £2,000 for Diabetes UK, a charity which looks after the interests of the UK's 1.4 million diabetes sufferers.

Simon, who works for City of York Council's early years department, said: "It was

certainly an eventful journey and we actually travelled over 2,000 miles by

the time we got to and from the start and finish points.

"Rosie held up really well during the journey, though we were a bit concerned when we started with a massive oil leak, which stayed with us for the entire trip.

"We set off from Land's End on the Friday morning and finally arrived at

John O'Groats at 7pm on Sunday evening, so it was a very tiring weekend,

but worthwhile when we realised how much money we had raised.

"The trip wouldn't have been possible if it hadn't been for our sponsors - City of York Council and First buses - and everyone who helped along the way."

Updated: 14:49 Wednesday, July 30, 2003