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

Sean Hayes, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, can not wait until Sunday when he meets up with other fans of the cult car on the trail of The Italian Job, the hit movie starring Michael Caine.

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

In his 1999 blue Cooper S, one of the last made before the model ended a year later, he will cross the Channel with other North-East drivers, Stephen Poad and his wife Susan, also from Newton Aycliffe, Tony Hall, from Darlington, and brothers Andrew and Mick Nelson, from Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham.

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

Unlike scenes from the film, the Turin police will be directing them instead of chasing them.

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

"The people of Turin love what we are doing and we are sure of a great response when we drive through. It should be fantastic. I can't wait."