A TEAM of fundraisers will be pitting their wits against rival petrol heads this summer as they prepare to embark on a 10,000-mile journey in a rally car.

The Mongol Rally is an annual event designed to test the endurance of thrill seekers, with a London Road trio hoping to raise thousands for Mind and Cool Earth.

Gareth Williams, his girlfriend Leah, and their housemate Grant will live in a Nissan Micra, affectionately known as Mickey, for the six-week challenge.

A total of 341 teams are taking part in the rally starting on July 16 and although there is no set route, teams are expected to travel through Turkey, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, before arriving at the finish line in Ulan Ude, Russia.

Gareth said: "We have already raised over £2,000, smashing our initial target, but we are hoping to push it much higher.

"We chose Mind as our team charity because as a team we feel anything that raises awareness of mental health issues is a good thing.

"On top of the fundraising, we have also been searching for corporate sponsorship to cover some of the costs in return for advertising space on the car.

"At the top of the list at the moment is a decent camera or two, so we can properly record the adventure."

Although it is possible to complete the rally in under three weeks by travelling through Russia 'The Unruly Khans' decided to head through Europe for the more scenic route.

In order to compete in Mongol Rally, the car must be less than 1,000cc and you have to raise £1,000 for charity.

"None of us has any mechanical experience," Gareth admitted.

"We have a manual and a very basic knowledge of how an engine works, but that's about it.

"Leah is a teacher, so Grant and I are having to complete the first leg of the journey alone, with Leah flying out to meet us in Bucharest later."

"Grant is from New Zealand and we met him while travelling around Bulgaria a few years ago."

Visit: www.theunrulykhans.com to donate to their fundraising campaign.