Glasgow to Mongolia in 999cc car

Mongol Rally competitors will find many obstacles in their way

Two young women are preparing to take part in the "Greatest Adventure in the World" - travelling 9,000 miles in a 19-year-old car.

Civil engineers Lorraine Hutchison, 26, and Nina Rooke, 32, both from Glasgow, will take part in the Mongol Rally which sets off from London on 22 July.

They will travel to Mongolia through deserts and mountain ranges in a 999cc Fiat Panda called Bobo the Monkey Tank.

Both hope to raise £5,000 for charities Mercy Corp and Send a Cow.

Their adventure from Glasgow to Ulaan Baatar will begin on 22 July.

My gran thinks it is amazing and wants to do it Lorraine Hutchison

It will take Lorraine and Nina on a journey through about 17 countries, including Iran, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

They hope to complete the feat in just four weeks.

The Mongol Rally has attracted about 200 adventurers.

The rules are each car must be below 1000cc and carry only two participants.

No support team is allowed.

'Excitement and danger'

Lorraine said she first came across the idea in September 2005.

She said: "We fancied doing a rally and came across this, it seemed a good idea at the time.

"We've had a mixed response, my gran thinks it is amazing and wants to do it.

BOBO THE MONKEY TANK First registered in 1987 A 999cc engine Four gears plus reverse "A lot" of miles to the gallon New exhaust fitted in January Undergoing "an exciting" re-spray

"I am most looking forward to seeing some completely different landscapes.

"I am least looking forward to getting the car stuck in a giant pothole.

"I am very, very excited. There is danger, the same as any journey.

"We'll meet loads of people who will come to our rescue if we need it."

She added: "We are learning how generous people are in helping our charities."

The pair have been studying car maintenance at college in the run-up to their adventure.

Nina said: "I can't wait to get started on the journey.

"I am most looking forward to the mountains of Afghanistan and seeing camels in Mongolia.

"I am least looking forward to going over a big rock on one of Mongolia's dodgy roads and putting a hole in the sump."