Woman home after major Minor trek

Joy Rainey's car had about 70,000 miles on the clock before the trip

A woman is recovering at home after a gruelling 12,000-mile trip to Australia in a £500 Morris Minor.

Joy Rainey and her co-driver Trevor Hulks came fourth in the classic car section of the London to Sydney rally.

Ms Rainey from Evesham, Worcestershire, said the specially-modified Morris Minor completed the 30-day trip with barely a scratch on it.

The 1970 car, which was fitted with a larger engine and improved suspension, is being shipped back to England.

"The whole car looks perfect," Ms Rainey told BBC News Online.

"I've got very attached to it and it goes very well."

'Hairy moments'

She said she would continue to use the car when she gets it back.

The epic journey involved two airlifts, one from Turkey to India and a second between India and Australia.

Ms Rainey said both she and her co-driver are in good health, despite a few difficult times during the rally.

"We had a lot of hairy moments, particularly in India.

"Driving styles are a bit different over there."

Ms Rainey was born into a motor racing family and has competed in many contests before and since her move to the UK from Australia 30 years ago.

She is currently working on a book about her exploits, called Fast Lady, which is due to be published later in the year.