A Darlington GP is setting off on a 2,000-mile journey to raise money for St Teresa's Hospice.

Classic car enthusiast Dr Richard Harker, of Whinfield Surgery, is one of scores of drivers taking part in the Club Triumph Reliability Run next weekend to raise money for charity.

Next Friday, he sets off in his 1974 Triumph TR6 with co-driver Steve Parker, a quantity surveyor from Darlington, to reach the registration point in London. From there the pair will drive through the night for a breakfast rendezvous with other competitors in John O'Groats, Scotland, on Saturday. The route back to London for Sunday evening is via Land's End.

Dr Harker told the D&S Times: "I love driving and I've owned a few classic cars but this is my first Triumph and I'm really looking forward to it.

"It's a convertible so we should get lots of fresh air to help us stay awake."

This year's run is raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society but contestants can also nominate a charity of their own. Dr Harker has nominated St Teresa's because it hopes to open some residential beds next year.

"At the moment I have about £500 to £600 in pledges but if we could get that even higher it would be great."

Anyone who would like to make a donation for either Multiple Sclerosis or St Teresa's should call the Darlington Primary Care Trust on 01325 487773.