A COUPLE from Fernhill Heath are revving up to take part in a re-enactment of the cult film The Italian Job for charity.

Mini-mad Moyra and Terence Bodley will be joining more than 100 other Mini fans on the 13th annual England to Italy car rally to raise money for children's charity NCH.

In the 1969 cult film The Italian Job the Mini Coopers were used to lift a stack of gold bars.

But in this modern day re-enactment the plunder has been replaced by bottles of wine.

So, in between taking part in a series of navigational rallies through the Italian countryside of Emilia Romagna, the participants visit a number of local vineyards.

Motoring

And after several days of motor and wine heaven, they speed back to Blighty with their ill-gotten gains.

Mrs Bodley, aged 52, said this was the first time they had taken part in the event, which starts on Saturday, October 26.

They became involved after her husband, 56, who used to race Minis, found out about the rally on the internet.

And even with about 3,000 miles of motoring ahead of them she said they were both raring to go.

"There is going to be a lot of driving but I think it is also going to be a lot of fun."

"Having raised our own children, the idea of giving something back to other less fortunate children also appealed to us," she added.

The couple have already raised £2,000 by selling advertising space on their new Mini Cooper S to local companies, and by selling raffle tickets.

"We would really like to thank all the local companies who have sponsored us and everyone who has bought a raffle ticket.

"They have already helped us beat our £1,500 target for NCH," she said.

The couple want to boost their fund-raising total even further and anyone who would like to make a donation can telephone Mrs Bodley on 01905 755535.