TWO pals who rebuilt a classic car are raising cash for charity - by taking bets on how far they will get on a 800 mile journey before it breaks down!

Burnley Hospital Radio chairman John Robinson has spent the best part of three years re-assembling the 1972 MG Midget with his friend, mechanic Bob Williams.

The duo will set off from Burnley General Hospital on October 21 and try to get to Inverness in Scotland and back.

And they have asked members of the public to pay a £1 and guess how far the MG will get to help raise money for the hospital radio.

The person who guesses correctly will win a 21-inch combined television and DVD player.

John, of Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, said: "The vehicle has been restored to the fine specimen.

"It had been off the road since 1990 and had been in storage.

"My wife bought it for me for £350.

"It came in 12 cardboard boxes and was like putting together a massive jigsaw puzzle but now it's been put together it is quite reliable.

"We're hoping we will get some distance before anything goes wrong.

"If we do get there and back without it breaking down all the names of people who have guessed how far we will get will go into a raffle to win the prize."

Burnley Hospital Radio needs to raise at least £2,500 each year to fund the service.

Mr Robinson added: "We help boost the morale of patients and help keep them entertained while in hospital.

"We just hope people will support us."

To pledge sponsorship ring John on 01282 703745.