NEXT door neighbours have opened their homes to friends in their street to thank them for supporting their charity drive.

Andrew Lawrence and Steve Poad, who live in The Grange, Woodham, near Newton Aycliffe, are gearing up to take part in the Italian Job charity drive next month.

They will be in one of 100 Minis - the star car in the classic film, the Italian Job - to make the trip to northern Italy for a rally.

Friends, who have sponsored the trip and bought and sold raffle tickets to boost money for the campaign, were invited to share food and drink with the pair.

But the duo took the opportunity to raise more cash by holding a tombola and selling more raffle tickets - the top prize for which is a new Mini Cooper.

Mr Poad has completed the motor marathon previously to raise money for a national children's charity, but next month Mr Lawrence will get in on the act and be his co-driver.

Proceeds from the event will go to the NCH charity and the intrepid pair are hoping to raise £3,000 between them this year.