MOTORING enthusiast Geoff Platten is set to follow in Michael Caine’s tyre tracks by recreating the journey of iconic film The Italian Job.

Geoff has teamed up with old friend David Gregory and bought a Mini to take part in the classic car event.

Both Geoff and David, now retired, owned Minis as young men and are keen to rekindle their motoring passions.

The duo are taking part in The Italian Job rally late in October visiting the filming locations of the 1969 blockbuster – and raising cash for charity.

The Italian Job car rally was launched in 1990 and so far has raised £2,424,191, funding Sunshine coaches for Variety the Children’s Charity.

Geoff of Staverton and David of Cheltenham funded the entry fee from their own pockets. Having surpassed the £1,500 target for Variety Club, the duo are now fundraising for Stepping Stones and Larkrise Community Farm.

Geoff said: "With both of us now past retirement age, we have entered with a number depicting our age: Car 67.

"We have staged some fun events including a quiz night, golf competition and taken part in fetes.

"So far we have raised £4,000.”

Among the events planned is a fundraiser for Stepping Stones at Sainsbury's in Trowbridge on Saturday to guess the number of balloons in Car 67. The Old Bear at Staverton is also hosting an Italian dinner on Wednesday, October 11.