A convoy of 'scrap heap' cars is set to tackle a 1,200-mile European drive to raise funds for a Norfolk charity.

The Yewtek Scrappage Rally will leave Wreningham south of Norwich early Friday morning for a long weekend navigating the roads of England, France, Belgium and Holland with a series of fun challenges along the route.

Cars must have cost �250 or less, and some will be sold for scrap at the end p if they make it to finish.

Their sponsored efforts will raise thousands of pounds for Sheringham-based charity Break which runs a series of support services helping children, young people and families.

Organiser Martin Green, the charity's project officer, is among the crews, driving a 2001 Fiat Punto which has been decorated with images of film stars by signwriter Damien Pounds.

His other crew are Alex Brake, who ran a similar event last year, and Stuart Rushton from event sponsors Yewtek.

'It is aimed at being a bit of a laugh. We cannot race, so the winners will be the best scorers over a range of challenges along the way - with points for pimped up cars, finding things and getting the best price for a paper cup.

It was among a series of fund-raising events, including a Go Go Gorillas art trail in Norwich, which help Break's need to find �500,000 worth of fund-raising every year towards running its services.

Among the competitors are a pair of cars from the Vernon Arms in Southrepps. Publican Paul Briggs is joined by Mick Waudby and Tony Meehan a 1997 Rover 220, which has been modified with Ferrari badges, V8 sticker and novelty horns.

He said: 'It should be hilarious but we are expecting friction in the car as we have a smoker among us.'

Their Father Ted themed vehicle will see them dressed in dog collars and a nun's habit.

Brothers Rob and John Grey are joined by Justin 'Juddy' Kew in a nine-year-old Astra with 150,000 miles on the clock which has been given 'in a state trooper' police-style livery.

The Grays are long distance lorry drivers for haulage firm Drurys so thought the journey would be easy and were 'in it to win it.'

The two Team Vernon cars have more than �2,000 in sponsorship between them.

The event over four days and three nights will see the crews camping along the the way. after their channel ferry crossing.

Mr Green said the varied field of rally entries ranged from vans to limos, and having seen some of them, he feared a few would not make it back to the finishing line.

Profits will be boosted by selling some of the cars for scrap afterwards.

There is still scope for last minute entries. Contact Martin Green on 01603 670100 or email martin.green@break-charity.org