A GROUP of friends are gearing up for a gruelling charity challenge.

Friends and family from across the North-East will come together to drive almost 1,000 miles in aid of Tiny Lives, a charity supporting the families of premature and sick babies at Newcastle’s RVI hospital.

The challenge will see them travel from John O’Groats to Lands End using B-roads in cars worth less than a train ticket for the same journey.

Their convoy of ten vehicles, setting off on Monday, May 26 - will be made up of cars which are either interesting, worth less than £500 or more than 20 years old.

Darlington man Chris Mulholland and his wife, Charlotte, will cram their family – including sons Jack, three, and 10-month-old George - into a vintage MGB for the rally.

He said: “It will be their first trip away and we are all really excited.

“We chose to support Tiny Lives because they do so much good work and it’s a really worthwhile cause, with all of their funds going to buy essential equipment.

“The challenge will take about a week to complete and it’s a real mix of people, including some mechanics so hopefully we will all make it to the end.”

In a bid to raise as much money as possible, the group will fundraise along their journey and some drivers will sell their cars at the end, donating the proceeds to Tiny Lives.

To support the fundraisers, visit justgiving.com/lejogmaytrip.