ACCRINGTON Stanley staff are to join an epic rally to Monte Carlo to fund a £10,000 stadium revamp.

Chief executive Rob Heys and a team from the club are setting off in a £250 old banger across Europe to raise money for a new bar and revamped toilets for fans.

Their three-day crusade will take them into France, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco past some of Europe's most spectacular scenery on the famous ‘Monte Carlo Or Bust’ rally.

Rob and the team are to set off on the 1,000 mile adventure next month in a 20-year-old Volvo donated by Read View Garage, Accrington.

He said: “It’s going to take me back to the days of my first car. With older cars you can do a bit of tinkering when things go wrong, unlike more up to date cars.

“It’s a fantastic idea which our supporters’ club came up with. Not only will it raise a bit of cash but it will raise the profile of the club both here and abroad. We’ll be taking Accrington Stanley into Europe a few years early.”

The car has been covered in grass and mini football nets by Burnley firm Scott Dawson Advertising and has been sponsored by the club’s shirt sponsor Store First.

Inspired by the classic Paramount film, the rally challenges entrants to source a banger car for less than £250 and take part in a variety of Top Gear-style challenges along the way and compete for points and prizes. The rally is made up of over 80 teams from throughout the UK who will be sharing their progress with supporters back home via live GPS tracking.

The challenge came about after a fans' survey revealed stadium facilities were top of the list of ways the club could improve the matchday experience. Rob and the team hope to raise £10,000 to revamp facilities.

The car will also be on view at Accrington Carnival on Saturday where Rob and players will be drumming up support.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the challenge and have their logo on the car or donate can email neil.mcguinness2@btopenworld.com Monte Carlo or Bust takes place from Friday July 12 to Sunday July 14.