A GROUP of fundraisers have fastened their seatbelts for a European ‘banger rally’ rattling across seven countries in support of three good causes.

Eric and Irene Russell from Rixton, Great Sankey man Cliff Houghton and Joe and Nicola Chiappa, who live in Grappenhall, set off from St Rocco’s on Friday flanked by bikers who escorted them from the hospice car park.

The team are travelling through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and Lichtenstein with the aim of arriving in Venice tomorrow, Wednesday.

The group, who are all linked through the Warrington Rotary Club, are raising money for St Rocco’s Hospice, St Joseph’s Family Centre and End Polio Now and are joined by #TeddyGeorge, the charity mascot leant to them by owner Mayor of Warrington cllr Geoff Settle.

Eric, who is trading manager at St Rocco’s and is driving a 1995 Rover 416, said: “The rally is a pub conversation that turned into a reality; something fun that will also raise money for important charities.

"We’re all very excited about the trip and are confident the cars will make it – eventually!”

Support the group by donating via justgiving.com/rc-warrington or follow their adventure on Twitter @WRotary.

Watch a video of the group setting off on the Warrington Guardian website.