TWO friends will go on the trip of a lifetime to take an old banger to Monte Carlo to raise money for a hospice.

Mark Tate, 42, from Worthing, and Jason Moore, 47, from Brighton, will put their 20-year friendship to the test as they drive more than 900 miles to the famous Monaco casino in a £350 Alfa Romeo.

The friends will embark on the legendary banger rally, Monte Carlo or Bust: Champagne Charlie, to raise money for St Barnabas House hospice in Worthing, leaving Saint-Quentin, France, on Thursday.

Mark said the crazy plan came about after "a few beers".

The Aviva manager said: "We thought it would be a good idea!

"Sadly, Jason’s mother has had terminal cancer for several years and has benefited from attending the St Barnabas House day hospice.

"My father also received excellent respite care back in 1988, so it’s a cause close to both of our hearts.

“Thanks to everyone’s support, we’ve already raised £1,132, which is enough to cover the cost of almost five days of care for a patient like Jason’s mum.”

Jason, who works in marketing, added: "We’ve never attempted anything like this before and are relishing the challenge.

“We’re looking forward to seeing new places and making friends along the way, although we’ve just found out the air conditioning is broken so it’s going to be a seriously hot journey."