AN adventurous duo have reason to celebrate after their £100 car successfully completed the Monte Carlo or Bust banger race as well as raising more than £1,000 for Julia's House in the process.

Stuart Taylor and Graham Sims, from Stockton, were thrilled that their little old Alfa Romeo completed the 2,060-mile long ride without a hint of car trouble from Friday-Sunday in the Champagne Car Rally.

Over the course of the journey, which included going from St Quentin, onto Dijon, heading through the Swiss Alps, down to Turn before finishing in Monte Carlo, the pair joined dozens of other petrol heads, completing various challenges in what proved to be an unforgettable adventure.

"We loved every minute of it. There was some incredible scenery, we met some wonderful people and we took part in something we will never forget," said Mr Taylor, who is the landlord of the Carriers Pub in Warminster.

"Every person we met said, 'Oh my god, you are in an Alfa, there is no way you will make it all the way round,' but boy did we prove them wrong. Our little Alfa performed brilliantly."

Mr Taylor, 42, and Mr Sims, 53, put their custom made bar, which was in the boot of the car, to good use, serving free glasses of G&T to their fellow drivers in return for donations to the charity.

"It was a very popular addition for sure. It was a good way to get to know people and socialise. It is early days but we would definitely like to do this whole thing again," said Mr Taylor.

"I am certainly up for another blast. I do not know if we will have the same car but whatever we do use, I am sure it will be great."

After the challenges, all drivers rounded off the challenge in Nice for speeches and a presentation ceremony.