Three men have set off on a mission from Deal to Dundee in old bangers, to raise money for the British Red Cross.

Matthew English, 26, a steward on P&O Ferries, Scot Graham, a self-employed window fitter and Dennis Pitcher, 25 a manager at Rooks are three old school friends, departed from The Strand, at 9am this morning.

They have each purchased a car for less than £250, and hope to make it to their northern destination in seven days or less.

Matthew is driving in a Fiat Sciento which cost him £180. He has decorated it will brick wall paper and has created a den in the back of his car, complete with yellow check curtains, a duvet and a mini chandelier.

He said: “I spent more time on the interior.”

Scot is behind the wheel of a Ford Mondeo, which he purchased locally in Mill Hill, Deal for £250.

He said: “It failed its MOT on a ball joint which I've had fixed. I think I’m going to make it.”

He has covered his car in comic pages which he stuck on with PVA glue and covered in water resistant varnish. He said: “The comics was just a spare of the moment thing but I am a fan of them.”

Dennis is competing in a Peuguot 405 which cost him £200. He spent the rest of his budget on paint - creating a British themed car, with a union jack painted on the roof and royal gold painted hub caps.

The trio, who call themselves Reverse Gear, have packed a petrol cooker to heat their supplies of beans, pasta and noodles and will be able to communicate with each other via CB radios.

Matthew’s dad, Barry English has been appointed their task master. He will give them each a set on envelopes to be opened at different destinations on their route. The boys opened the first envelope on Walmer Green.

Mr English said: “From here, they will they head off to Lydden Hill circuit, where I have set up a wheel change challenge."

Other challenges include karting, parking, swimming, climbing and lasers. The men have no idea where the challenges will lead them.

Mr English added: “I've told them to pack their swimming trunks, which they’re a bit scared about.”

They are not allowed to use satellite navigations, maps or phones and are only allowed to drive on A and B roads.

The men completed the same challenge in 2010. The charity venture is a race worked on a points system. Whoever ends with the least car defects and most fuel, will be crowned the Deal to Dundee 2 winner.

To sponsor Reverse Gear visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/rgd2d2 or visit the British Red Cross shop in Deal High Street.