A Melksham man and his colleague were due to set off on a 3,700-mile rally to Gambia in an old banger today (Friday), raising money for Help For Heroes.

Andrew Murphy, 48, and colleague Peter Bennett, 44, who work for the MOD, will cross the Sahara desert in their 1987 Audi 100 when they take part in the Banjul Challenge banger rally.

Their car cost them just £102, and has already covered 144,000 miles.

It will be auctioned off when Team Desert Rats reach Banjul in The Gambia in around three weeks’ time.

The men will go from England through Spain and Portugal and on to Morocco before heading along the west of Africa, across the western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal, before reaching The Gambia.

Mr Murphy said he was in a state of trepidation. “It’s been months in the planning. I’m really excited, but also a bit anxious about certain parts of it,” he said.

The drivers will travel in convoy and under an armed escort through Mauritania, one of the most lawless countries in the world.

More than £1,000 has already been pledged and money raised will be split between Help For Heroes and Naomi House Children’s Hospice.

Mr Murphy said: “We have our camping gear and some pretty heavy duty sand ladders, Jerry cans, water butts, etc.

“Phoebe, our car, has now received her complete make-over, which includes roof bars and carrier and is ready for her grand journey.

“Garage on the Hill has made some final checks and adjustments and Melksham Tyre Supplies has fitted her with a complete set of tyres which were donated by them and Cooper Tires.

“To date, we have already received just over £400 in donations which is hugely encouraging.

“It’s absolutely brilliant and we haven’t left yet.

“Our equipment also includes satellite phones, compass, maps, laptop and cameras, and the all important list of phone numbers for the FCO, British Embassies and MI5.”

Mr Murphy wanted to say a special thanks to The Garage on the Hill, The MoT Centre, Melksham Tyre Supplies, Classic-Audi UK, Gompels and to all those who have already donated generously, as well as their families and the UK Support Team of Pete, Mark and Craig.

To sponsor the pair and to follow their progress, visit www.justgiving.com/team desertrats.