IT’S Monte Carlo or bust for a father and son from the region as they set out on a charity challenge today (Thursday, July 11).

Stuart Hatch, 66, and his son Andrew, 35, will travel thousands of miles in an old banger as part of a car rally that sees teams from all over Britain compete in an attempt to drive from Calais to Monte Carlo in a car that cost less than £250.

Driving enthusiast Mr Hatch Snr, from Blyth, persuaded his son to join him on the rally in a bid to tick something off his ‘bucket list’ whilst raising money for the Marfan Association and the Meniere’s Society.

The charities were chosen because Mr Hatch Snr suffers from Marfan Syndrome, a condition which affects connective tissue and Mr Hatch Jnr is affected by Meniere's Disease, a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance.

Mr Hatch Jnr said: “My dad has always been into driving and this kind of thing has always been on his bucket list.

“I originally said no as it seemed a bit rough but my colleagues told me I must do it and it’s going to be my first driving adventure.

“There’s a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I’m looking forward to sweeping through the Alps and arriving in Monte Carlo and seeing the Grand Prix circuit but I also have to sit in a car with my dad for more than 2,000 miles.”

The pair, neither of whom are mechanics, will travel through Europe in an R-reg Citroen Xsara that cost just £250, taking with them a rudimentary tool kit and hoping for the best.

Mr Hatch Jnr, from Darlington, said: “My dad used to work on cars in the 60s but I’m not sure how he will fare with modern cars.

“We’ve only just had the air conditioning fixed, that could have made for an awful experience. We are making sure we can carry our luggage in case we end up scrapping the car.”

The pair will be keeping a blog of their adventures. To keep up with their progress, visit facebook.com/8bitPair.

To sponsor them, visit justgiving.com/ashatch.