A LOVE of Minis drew a Los Angeles man back to his home town of Blackpool this week for the start of a major charity fund-raiser.

Michael J Walsh emigrated to the USA 22 years ago having been brought up in the resort. He is now the president of the Mini Owners of America association.

Michael led a convoy of 25 Minis from Blackpool on Saturday, in a special stars and stripes car loaned to him by Mini.

The cars arrived at the final point in their 'tower to tower' marathon, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, on Sunday after an overnight ferry journey.

"When I heard about this event, I just had to get over here to do it," said Michael: "The only problem was that, although I have three Minis at home, I don't have a car over here.

"Fortunately, the nice people from Mini have kindly loaned me one and even put a special flag on the roof to boot. I'm really looking forward to this extended test drive of the new car."

Event organiser, Alex Richards, said he hoped the Tower to Tower marathon would become an annual event.

"I had 196 entry applications, but decided I'd better limit it to a more manageable 25," said Alex: "However, who knows, if all goes to plan we could have 200 Minis taking part next year."

The event, in aid of Breast Cancer Care, has raised around £20,000 and organisers hope the money will help keep two freephone numbers staffed for the next year."