A FLEET of Mini’s took to the streets of Wiltshire over the weekend to raise money for Southwick’s Hope Nature Centre.

The Moles Mini Club’s annual Moonraker Run saw nearly 40 Mini’s start from the Pheasant Inn at Chippenham and travel around Wiltshire’s roads eventually finishing at the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum in Calne.

Moles chairman Tim Carter said since starting the event nearly eight years ago, the work of Hope Nature Centre has resided with many of its members which is why they continue to support it.

“The weekend went exceptionally well,” the 62-year-old said.

“Rather nicely we had a 50/50 split between modern and classic Mini’s over the weekend. With the Moonraker Run, we don't mind if you don’t even have a Mini but we are just happy to raise money and have fun.

“We have been raising money for Hope Nature Centre for a few years now and we think they are such a great charity because they help disadvantaged people. Charities struggle with money so we try and do our best in raising money for them. We have been doing the run for around eight years but it was when we found out the work of Hope Nature that we decided to continue to donate to them.”

The group managed to raise £300 for the Trowbridge charity which they will hand over during Hope Nature Centre’s birthday celebrations at the end of May.

Moles Mini Club was founded by Rob Ware and Mr Carter’s wife Jane ten years ago.

Mr Ware added: “We feel Hope Nature Centre is an important charity that is in our local community and helping those in need.

“They provide job opportunities and experience for people with learning difficulties in their cafe and animal park; both of which are open to the public to visit which is just great.”