TWO recovery operators from Bury are hoping their trusty 23-year-old Reliant car will live up to its name by taking them to Rome and back!

Joe Frankland and colleague Mark Luntley embarked on the journey on Sunday and, if all goes well, should return to the UK on August 6.

During that time, they will notch up 2,750 miles each way in their quest to raise up to £2,000 for charity. The money will be split between the Children’s Heart Foundation and the Autistic Society.

Both are taking part in the Home2Rome event, described as the biggest European “banger” rally. Under the rules, cars must not cost more than £150.

Mark, aged 36, and 26-year-old Joe, who both work for JSM Motorway Services in Huntley Mount, Bury, are putting their faith in the three-wheel, 1987 Reliant Robin which has 50,740 miles on the clock.

Before leaving, Joe said: “We’ve given the car a thorough going-over and we’re confident it will take us to Rome and back.”

They chose the Children’s Heart Foundation as one of their charities as 12-month-old Gabe Williams, the son of a workmate, has a heart condition.

Readers can support the driving duo via a group on Facebook called JSM home to rome.