THREE adventure-seekers are driving to Siberia in an old banger to raise money for charity.

The Kendal lads are taking part in the Mongol Rally, an event which has the motto "an adventure is only an adventure when things go wrong".

Organisers of the Mongol Rally, which runs from London to the Siberian town of Ulan-Ude, are very strict on the type of car that can enter - it must have a one litre engine and be on its last legs.

As such, Paul Thomas, James Nowell and Alex Ramsay, all 21, decided their steed for the 10,000-mile trip would be an 18-year-old Nissan Micra, bought for £320.

The trio, who have been friends since attending Kirkbie Kendal School together, are doing the rally "in aid of charity and hilarity" but believe their car will need plenty of tender loving care during the journey.

"The number plate fell off it when I leant on the car this morning," said Paul.

The group, who set off on July 19, comprises two students and one apprentice engineer so none of them have any mechanical experience - but they are undeterred.

"We're going to go to a scrap yard and see what we can scavenge," said Paul.

"We don't know a lot about it but there's 300 teams going and once you get there everyone thinks they're a mechanic!" assured James.

The thrill-seekers are well aware of the potential dangers.

"Once you get to Mongolia you're just driving through desert," Alex said. "People convoy through the desert because if you break down you have no chance of getting out. But that's part of the fun - meeting new people."

While the start and finish of the event are set in stone, entrants are left to follow their own route, with some deciding to cross Europe and head through Northern Iraq.

Paul, James and Alex, whose team name is Marco Yolo, decided to avoid war-torn nations and instead travel across Europe, through Turkey, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and Mongolia.

Alex said: "We want to blast it through Europe because that's the easiest bit with all the motorways."

The cost of taking part is not cheap, with all expenses including visas and insurance totalling £6,250.

They are appealing for sponsorship and donations to help raise more than £1,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society UK and Cool Earth - a charity aiming to protect the rainforest.

To donate, email mongolrally@marcoyolo.co.uk or visit their website www.marcoyolo.co.uk

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: “The Mongol Rally is without doubt the greatest motoring adventure on the planet. Good luck and best wishes to James Nowell, Paul Thomas and Alex Ramsay – it will be a real feat of endurance to finish!”