A DROITWICH man will follow in the tyre tracks of the iconic 1969 film ‘The Italian Job’ to help raise money for children’s charities.

Ed Helps is one of the first in the country to sign up to the 3,000 mile fundraising rally, named after the hit Michael Caine film.

The event, being held this October, is raising money for Buttle UK, which provides financial grants to needy children.

The route will take Mr Helps through the locations of the film, journeying through France, Belgium and Germany, along with a round-trip from Turing and the Italian-French Alpine roads.

All drivers taking part are in vehicles that starred in the classic film.

Mr Helps, who is the director the ABC Leisure Group Ltd in Lowesmoor Wharf, spent three years restoring an old Ford Thames 400E camper can, which was used in the film for the football fans’ decorated van and referred to as the Dormobile.

The Hanbury Road resident said: “It has been months in the planning and we will soon be on our way.

“I hope other Mini owners in the area will join me and together we can help raise urgently needed funds for Buttle UK, to help eradicate child poverty in the UK.”

Previously the event has raised more than £2.5 million for children’s charities.

Gerri McAndrew, Buttle UK chief executive, added: “It is certainly a fun way to help children and what’s more 100 per cent of any sponsorship money raised will go directly to helping these children in need."

There is still time to take part in the event which starts on October 27 and finishes on November 2.

Places are strictly limited to 100 Minis and classic cars that featured in the original film, with entrants having to raise a minimum of £1,500 per car.

For more details visit italianjob.com.