A LONG distance lorry driver is looking forward to an epic journey in a very different vehicle, his cherished Mini.

Sean Hayes, of Newton Aycliffe, can't wait until Sunday when he meets up with other fans of the cult film The Italian Job.

With co-driver Kenny Titshall, of Spennymoor, he hopes to raise about £2,000 for the National Children's Homes by driving through Europe to Turin, where much of the 1969 Michael Caine film was shot.

In his 1999 blue Cooper S, he is crossing the Channel with other drivers Stephen Poad, his wife Susan, also of Newton Aycliffe; Tony Hall, of Darlington, and brothers Andrew and Mick Nelson, of Hetton-le-Hole.

They are supporting The Italian Job charity which has arranged for them to recreate scenes from the film, including drives on the Fiat test track at Imola and in the streets of Turin.

Unlike scenes from the film, the Turin police will be directing them through the town instead of chasing them at high speed.

Mr Hayes said: "There are 100 of us all together making out way down so it will be quite a sight when we get together."