Jokes about women drivers will definitely be on the wrong track when a special vehicle charity challenge is held in North Yorkshire.

The event is aimed at putting women behind the wheel of a variety of metal monsters - including fire engines, tanks, double-decker buses, JCBs and many more - at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

The event is also aimed at raising thousands of pounds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Care.

The two-day Always and Tampax Ladies Driving Challenge will be taking place later this year, on June 17 and 18.

Ryedale-based Marie Curie nurse Joy Baker - who had a go in a Ferret armoured vehicle to publicise the event - said: "Being a Marie Curie nurse and also having had breast cancer myself, I am delighted the two charities have got together for this exciting event."

Pat Wardell, area fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: "This is a chance for women to rally together and put an end to all those jokes about women drivers once and for all.

"It will be a great day out with some truly amazing vehicles and all participants will be helping in the fight against breast cancer. We've run similar events in the past but this promises to be the biggest and best ever.

"It's a very popular day so I'd urge anyone interested to sign up as soon as possible."

All participants will be asked to pay a £5 registration fee and raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship to take part in a one-day driving challenge.

Alternatively, men can buy a place for their women by purchasing special challenge vouchers for £100.

For further information and an application form call, freephone 0800 000018 or visit the www.ladiesdriving.com website.

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