They’re hitting the road for a trip of a lifetime.

Friends Colin Crossland from Emley Moor, Ashley Brook from Upper Denby and Nigel Nixon from Barnsley have bought a “banger” to join The Screwball Rally around Europe.

The group of chaps in their 40s are taking part in the charity event, which sees cars with a value of no more than £750 drive through five countries in five days.

The route takes them from England to France, into Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and back home.

Around 40 well loved cars are set to take on the five day, 1,750 mile road trip, starting from Dover this Thursday.

Colin, who works at a Barnsley based vehicle auctioneer, has managed to source the trio a 14-year-old Mercedes after it failed to sell.

“It was in a bit of a state of disrepair,” he said.

“But with a bit of spit and polish we’ve brought it back to life.

“Two of us are reasonably mechanically minded so hope it’ll be alright around the route.”

The three friends are hoping their long drive around Europe will help raise lots of cash for Riding for the Disabled at Emley and Prostate Cancer.

Colin said: “We were looking for something different to boost Riding for the Disabled where my wife works as it’s struggling.

“I spotted it and thought it would be interesting to see a bit of the world while also raising some money for charity.

“It’s an adventure and it raises a few quid, so it’s the perfect scenario.

“I never did a gap year or road trip when I was 18 so this is a great chance, or a midlife crisis as my wife is saying, to do something.”

Donate: www.justgiving.com/Ashley-Brook/