Hang on lads, I've got a great idea: Dale Nelson, left, and his co-driver Mike Standring are rallying to Italy and back

A Reigate Mini enthusiast will soon be taking his favourite car through some of the most picturesque European cities and it's all for charity.

Dad-of-three Dale Nelson, from Blandford Mews, is taking part in the annual Italian Job Mini Run to Italy, raising money for the National Children's Home (NCH).

He and his friend and co-driver, Michael Standring, leave on October 25 and will finish in Brighton on November 5.

Dale, 46, said: "We raise quite a bit of money and have a good time, as well. Making sure the Mini gets there and back is always a frightening experience. Driving on the Italian roads is also quite interesting!"

The rally will take the pair through cities such as Paris, Turin and Bologna, as well as through idyllic villages and even onto the Formula One Grand Prix circuit in Imola.

The Italian Job is now in its 15th year and has raised over £1.6million for children's charities. It is open to anyone over 21, as long as the vehicle driven is a Mini or a classic car featured in the Michael Caine film, The Italian Job. About 100 cars will be taking part in this year's event.

Dale, director at Kingswood-based Fidelity Investments, doesn't think it is going to be a problem spending 10 days with one person in such a small car.

"You have got to make sure you like them," he joked. "It's not too bad, the drive down there is probably the hardest part. Once there, you do manage to get out and about quite a bit."

He added: "There is a navigational part to the rally, so you need to pick somebody who can read maps because you can get lost very quickly!"

Dale and Mike hope to raise £1,500 and have so far reached £850.

If you are a business, especially one with an Italian connection, and would like your company to be represented on the Mini, or sponsor the event, there are just a few days left to register your interest.

Call Dale on 01737 836937 you may even spot him driving the Mini around Reigate.

9:39am Friday 21st October 2005

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