A PAIR of petrolheads who work in Accrington are preparing to set off on a 1,200 charity driving adventure taking in Europe’s most spectacular scenery.

Edward Wilkinson, 51, and Andrew Mortimer, 45, are competing in the Two Ball Banger Rally that will see them visit nine countries in four days behind the wheel of their souped-up Honda Prelude.

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And if travelling up to 400 miles a day isn’t tough enough, they’ll face Top Gear-style challenges along the way to boost their charity pot – and even don fancy dress to get in the spirit.

Edward, from Vincent Road, said: “We’re really excited and can’t wait to get started.”

The pair are pals through their jobs at Rigby’s Coaches in Accrington, where Edward is a mechanic and Andrew an auto electrical engineer.

And the good causes they’re supporting are very close to their hearts.

Edward, a cancer patient in remission, is supporting Manchester’s Christie Hospital, while Andrew is fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy after losing his brother to the wasting disease.

The rules of the rally state any vehicle can be used as long as it didn’t cost more than £567.

The Nelson duo have done their motor up in orange and black to match the Prelude made famous in Hollywood hit film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

And they’ll be turning up to register at the start line in Saint-Omer, Northern France, dressed as cartoon characters Beavis and Butt-head to earn some extra points.

Edward said: “After that we’ll be travelling through France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Monte Carlo before heading back into France and finishing in Nice.

“Highlights of the trip will include the Stelvio Mountain Pass, which is considered one of the best drives in the world, and passing Lake Como.”

The pair have already been busy raising funds by visiting car shows and holding tombolas. They raised £230 at the Burnley Classic Car Show last weekend and have already collected £3,600.

After the race is finished they’ll sell the Honda to raise more cash. facebook.com/groups/1523086864606761.