CLASSIC car enthusiasts are taking part in a 1,700-mile rally over Easter to raise money for charity.

The group from The Borough pub, Darwen, are doing a round trip to Land's End, then up to John O'Groats and finally back to Darwen.

And all cars must be at least 20 years old, so a customised 1979 Reliant Robin and a 1986 Ford Escort are among some of the vehicles being used.

Five cars are confirmed and it is hoped more will sign up before the start on April 5.

Shaun Singleton, 42, of The Sidings, who is organising the rally with Ian Hunt, 38, of Milton Close, will be in his award-winning 1958 Morris Minor.

He said: "The drive is not a race, it is just a few friends hoping to have some fun over Easter and raise money for some worthy causes. The drivers and their teams are footing the cost of fuel and camping so all money raised go to the charities."

The event, called LeBog 2007', will leave The Borough at 6am.

The name LeBog' came from the first letters of Land's End / John O'Groats with the J replaced by a B as a nod to The Borough pub.

Money raised will be go to Derian House Children's Hospice, leukaemia charity ALUPAL and Moggie's Cat Rescue, Darwen.

Melanie Woodburn, 30, of Elliott Avenue will be taking part in a 1987 Mitsubishi Shogun with her husband Neil, 33, and 12-year-old daughter Natalie to raise funds for ALUPAL as her 57-year-old father David Doran, of Marsham Grove, Darwen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2003.

She said: "My dad was in Christie's for quite a while and that's why I'm putting my money in ALUPAL.

"It helps them have a better quality of life in the unit as a lot are kept in isolation. It helps them pass the day by giving the hospital DVD players or craft sessions.

"My dad was helped by them and I wanted to give something back."

Anyone interested in taking part or sponsoring any of the teams can call telephone Ian on 01254 775039 or Shaun on 07962 272879.

It costs £25 per team to enter and a minimum of £50 must be raised for Derian House.