FOUR intrepid Glasgow men are about to drive more than 3000 miles in a car worth less than £200.

The Bangers to Barcelona challenge will see Marc Todd, Colin Proven, Pat Sweeney and Neil McCutcheon drive to the northern Spanish city from Glasgow to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The quartet will next Thursday head off in a 1997 Mercedes C Class which they picked up on eBay for less than £200, in a bid to raise £4000 for the cause.

And they think the jalopy can make it to the Mediterranean coast in just three days ... just as long as it doesn't fall apart.

The team, all from Barlanark in the East End, describe themselves as "car daft" but they have all chosen to support Marie Curie Cancer Care because they have each had family members who have benefited from its care.

Pat's grandparents Alex and Betty Wylie both died of cancer, and were supported in their illness with the vital care of Marie Curie nurses.

Pat, 35, said: "Having all had experience of Marie Curie, the choice of which charity would benefit was made easy.

"The work that they do impacts on so many people's lives and we wanted to show our appreciation for the many things they have done for our family and friends.

"Barcelona Bangers is not your average charity challenge and that's what we liked about it, the fact that we get to have fun travelling from the UK to Spain, see some of the best sites in Europe, while raising money for charity is just brilliant."

The team is named in memory of Colin's dad Ronnie, who died after a long illnes and 'Ronnie's Road Runners' are one of 70 taking part in the challenge from across the UK.

And to create an unusual colour scheme for their banger, the boys asked for help from pupils at Barlanark's Our Lady of Peace Primary school.

More than 200 pupils entered the competition, won by P3 pupil Eva Kamtchouang.

To sponsor the group's fundraising efforts visit www.justgiving.com/Glasgow-to -Barcelona-with-Barcelona -Bangers

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk