Two mini cab drivers have raised more than £2,000 for sick children after taking part in a 3,000 mile road trip in an old banger dressed as Big Ears and Noddy.

Dave Apel and John Durrant, who work for Mayflower Travel in Collier Row have just returned home after taking part in the Benidorm or Bust Banger rally in aid of Little Haven Children’s charity.

Dave said: “We feel really proud to have raised the money, we set ourselves a target and we have exceeded it.

“The work that they do is just fantastic.”

The four day challenge saw Dave, 36, from Dagenham and John, 42, from Basildon, setting off on their journey from the Pinewood Pub in Collier Row to Blackpool before going on to Benidorm.

But the pair’s 1500 mile return trip wasn’t plain sailing when the 20-year-old Ford Escort, that they brought for just £350 broke down 300 miles from home.

Luckily a friend was on hand to help them.

Dave said: “The gearbox started giving us problems on the way there, but we managed to overcome it and it only broke down when we were on our way home.

“Surprisingly it wasn’t stressful, we just had to wait for a few hours for our friend to come to get us.”

The highlight of the challenge was when the pair were given the spirt of the event award for the enthusiasm they showed throughout the journey.

All the money raised is set to go to Little Havens Children’s Charity where it will be used to help youngsters with life limiting conditions.

To support the pair visit www.justgiving.com/waitingforatowtruck or to take part visit www.benidormorbust.co.uk.