It will see them travel more than 1,200 miles, through nine countries – all in the space of four days.

And as four Lowestoft men gear up for a 'once-in-a-lifetime' charity car rally across Europe, they will be relying on a £567 Volvo S70 to transport them on their journey.

Brothers James and Richard Gapper and their friends Stuart Philp and Dom Goldsmith have signed up for the Two Ball Banger Rally, which takes place between August 18 and 22.

They are now calling on businesses and people to get behind them – as they are raising funds for a cause close to their hearts.

The men, who have all been friends since they were younger, are raising money in memory of Peter Gissing – James and Richard's granddad – who died of Motor Neurones Disease 17 years ago.

The car has been painted in the colours of the motor neurone disease association charity – with businesses now able to sponsor the vehicle as it travels through places including Belgium, Germany and Austria.

James Gapper said: 'It is going to be quite a challenge but it is a fantastic way to raise money for the charity.

'I just saw it advertised on Facebook and as we all like driving, it seemed like a fun thing to do.

'I am sure our Volvo will be extremely trustworthy and we just want to raise as much money as we can.'

About 50 other teams have already signed up to take part, with the men

sharing the driving – as they are expected to be on the road for about nine hours each day.

Richard Gapper, 32, works with Stuart Philp at Bison Electrical Services in Lowestoft.

'Our granddad used to own Early Dawn Garden Centre and a lot of people knew him in the community,' he explained.

'It is a charity that is very close to our hearts and we are hoping that people get behind us.

'Its going to be pretty epic to say the least and we are looking forward to the challenges they will set us each day.

'I am also looking forward to driving on the Stelvio pass – that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.'

Mr Philp, 32, added: 'We will be passing some beautiful places and I am sure my head is going to be out of window taking lots of photos.

'We are all so excited and really looking forward to it.'

The team would like to thank Seletar Signs, Autocare Lowestoft, Forward Industrial Products, Wavetrade, Mummery Brothers, Ideal Home Choice Improvements and Bison Electrical Services for their sponsorship support so far.

? To sponsor the team, call Mr Philp on 07450 952 239 or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/Lowestoftsfinest

twoballbangerrally. To donate to the team, visit www.justgiving.com/lowestoft-finest

? Are you raising money for charity in Lowestoft? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk