A challenge which saw teams drive from Dover to Rome in £500 cars in just three days has raised £40,000 for charity.

The trip, which commenced on September 21, saw 13 groups travel in themed vehicles, from a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, The King’s Head’s Mario Kart, Two Idiots do Rome in an open top Ford KA and many more.

All the teams travelled the 1,120-mile trip for the Rome or Bust car challenge to raise funds for Martha Trust, a charity that supports people with profound disabilities across Kent and Sussex.

The challenge fundraiser, which has been running for 15 years, has seen 111 cars and 260 participants raise £377,000 during this time.

Julie Gayler, CEO at Martha Trust and a team member of the ‘The Charlie’s Angels’ said: “We’ve had the most fantastic time, and met some great people!

“The trip was amazing, with stopovers in Chaintre and Parma, the camaraderie was great and best of all, we have raised £40,000 in sponsorship when all funds are in.”

This year’s trip marked 15 years of Martha Trust car challenges, with previous trips across major cities in Europe – Florence, Frankfurt, Geneva, Madrid, Monte Carlo, Paris and Barcelona.

The Martha Trust support young people and adults with profound disabilities at homes in Deal and Hastings.

As part of the challenge, participants are asked to try and source a car for less than £500.