Rally raises charity cash

The drivers had to fix their vehicles en-route

Two men who took part in a 3,700-mile motor rally in aid of charity have returned safely from their trip.

Rob Newton-Allen, 37, and Derek Giles, 60, from Weston-super-Mare, teamed up with rally enthusiasts Cliff Watts and Blake Discher from California.

As Team Michelotti, they drove a 1960 Triumph Herald, and a 1982 Ford Cortina from Plymouth to Dakar, raising £4,000 for Weston Hospice Care.

"It was truly a trip of a lifetime and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves," said Mr Newton-Allen.

"It was however quite hard going and there was always the chance that something could go wrong with the vehicle at any point.

"We managed to complete the trip without any major car problems and anything smaller we were able to fix ourselves.

"On Christmas day we spent the morning fixing another car but managed to sit down to a traditional Moroccan Christmas meal later."

More than 100 vehicles costing not more than £100 each were taking part in 2004's Plymouth-Dakar Challenge.

It was set up last year as an alternative to the Paris-Dakar Rally for people with a limited budget.