A TAUNTON business man is setting off on an ambitious 750 mile competition in a car worth £300 - after winning last year.

Nick Irvine, 32, operations manager at Grub’s up, is taking part in the Monte Carlo or Bust banger rally, which sees drivers head cross-country through 768 miles in cars costing less than £500.

The challenge starts tomorrow (May 31) and runs until June 3.

Mr Irvine took part in the event last year with pal Ross Bentley in order to raise money for Headway Somerset, a charity which raises money for people with brain injuries..

This year the two will be leading their own teams across the 768 journey from Belgium, through Germany, Switzerland and Italy, before finishing in Monaco.

Mr Irvine's team will be in a £300 Honda Civic while Mr Bentley's team will be driving a £250 Nissan Micra.

Mr Irvine said: "We are very happy to be raising money for Headway Somerset Again. After winning the Monte Carlo or bust last year Ross and I decided to go head to head this year.

"This year team one consists of myself and Shaun Argall, Shaun is a local builder who just happens to have excellent knowledge of Belgium. Shaun spent a year living in Belgium teaching jazz tap in his early twenties.

"Team two consists of Ross Bentley and two of his best friends Matt and Dan. The three of them form part of a barbershop A cappella group they formed at university. The fourth member was unable to attend but we still expect them to treat us to some of their musical stylings.

"In the unlikely event that both cars make it and we think they will survive the drive home, we will fully service and MOT the cars and auction them off with all the proceeds going to Headway."

To donate to the teams visit justgiving.com/fundraising/grubs-up1.