Scumballers set off in their £500 rally car

But this isn't the Gumball. And though potent, the car is not exactly factory-fresh.

Neither do the foursome know where they are going.

Former licensee Andrew Champion explained: "We are doing what is called the Scumball Rally.

"There's myself and three friends.

"It's like the Gumball Rally only it's all for a charity called Whizz Kids. It specialises in supplying wheelchairs for disabled kids.

"Oh, and you can't spend more than 500 on a car..."

With pals Ben Latter, Rob Styles and Peter Redman, Andrew has bought a BMW 730i '“ a good car in its day but this came off the production line in 1993.

The K-plater already has a 180,000 miles on the clock and will have to take the foursome 3,000 kilometres in four days.

Andrew said: "We don't know where we are going. All we know is that we are starting from Calais and will return to Calais."

Each has paid 200 to enter and is busy raising sponsorship for Whizz Kids.

Andrew said: "And when we get back we will be selling the car and giving the money to the charity."

The Scumballers are due to leave on Thursday evening.

Anyone want a 15 year-old Beemer; four careful recent owners, rallied but never raced...?