A BACUP man travelled almost 180 miles to raise cash for charity - in a 1969 Morris Minor police car he has just finished restoring.

Ray Stone, 50, of Britannia Avenue drove coast-to-coast from Morecambe to Scarborough in a day to raise funds for the National Canine Defence League.

He was one of 46 members of the North East Lancashire Morris Minor Owners' Club who took part in the cross-country trek. He was joined on the journey by his wife, Karen, and their 15-year-old son, David.

The retired kitchen fitter raised more than £300 in sponsorship money for the NCDL.

The family dressed in police uniforms for the event but they did not wear hats on the journey for fear of being mistaken for professional officers.

Ray said: "We completed the run without any problems. Three of the other cars had to drop out along the way, but we made it.

"We had to take a few detours, firstly because a road had collapsed and then because a tractor had jack-knifed, which added about five miles to the journey."

The car still has its original features including the police engine and radio.

It is one of two old Morris Minor police cars that Ray owns, and there are thought to be only 60 left.

He has just finished restoring the one he drove coast-to-coast.

The other, which is based in Sheffield, has been used in the filming of ITV police drama Heartbeat.

Ray also owns two other classic vehicles - a Morris Minor Traveller and a Morris Minor van. He thanked everyone who donated money especially Colin's Cabs, in Bacup, and the Rossendale dog wardens.

Ray is planning to do the Morecambe to Scarborough drive again next year.

He also wants to take part in the next Joggle in July 2004 - an annual drive from John O'Groats to Lands End.

It is organised by the Barnsley branch of the Morris Minor Owners' Club.

Ray will be presenting a cheque for the money he has raised by the drive to the NCDL next week.