A DARING father and son duo have completed a marvellous feat.

Paul and Mark Round have beaten some of the world's top rally drivers in a gruelling challenge.

And now they are delighted to be back home celebrating their success in the Paris-Dakar Rally, which took them across parts of the Sahara Desert.

The pair - who competed in a home-made car - returned last night.

Mark, of Scissett, who drove the car, said they had seen amazing sights.

"My favourite part was seeing what they call the `elephant rocks' between Tidjikja and Nema in the desert," he said. "We passed volcanoes, canyons, 300m sand dunes - even nomads marching with camels.

"We also passed a lot of cars that fell by the wayside - we only got stuck once or twice. The worst part was driving at night, because it is difficult and dangerous. So we always tried to finish the day's stage before sundown."

As well as desert terrain, the pair passed through France, Spain, North Africa's Atlas Mountains, Mauritanian forest terrain and even a minefield.

However, they had to make a long and unexpected detour when they reached Mali, because of terrorist threats.

The rally was cancelled for two days while they drove to the next safe checkpoint.

Part of the pair's success was down to their reliable car, a BMW/Land Rover hybrid that Paul, of Lower Cumberworth, built himself.

It was the first time they had raced it in the Paris Dakar rally, in which they have competed six times.

Mark said: "The car was really good. People were asking us about it and we may even make some more to hire to other people, it will help pay for our rally costs."

Entering the Paris Dakar challenge costs a minimum of £60,000.

Paul and Mark hope to enter again next year and are looking for sponsorship.

Mark said: "It is longer, harder and faster than anything else. The Paris Dakar is the jewel in the crown of rallying."