AS most people tucked into leftover turkey and relaxed today, a father and daughter set off on a 3,500-mile charity banger rally to Africa.

Ian Hunt, 37, and Samantha, 14, caught a ferry from Dover on the first leg of their trip which they hope will raise £5,000 for the NSPCC.

Leaving behind mum, Janene, 36 and Becca, 11, they hope to arrive at their final destination, Banjul, the capital of Gambia on January 20.

They will among nine teams in bangers all doing the trip for charity.

Ian, of Milton Close, Darwen, signed up for the banger rally' this summer and has only just finished all the planning involved, including buying dried food and modifying the car to make it more practical and comfortable.

The back seat has been removed and will double as a luggage store and bed.

They will fly back on January 21 after selling the belongings they have collected along the way, including the car to boost the charity total.

Entrants must travel in a vehicle worth no more than £500. Ian, a kitchen supplier and fitter, spent only half his budget on his car, an Isuzu Trooper. He bought an identical car to use for spare parts to take with them.

Samantha, a pupil at Darwen Moorland High School, will be allowed to practise her driving skills when they are away from civilisation.

Ian said: "We will miss out on festive celebrations including a trip to Blackpool for New Year's Eve, but it was something we really wanted to do.

"It has taken so much planning and now we are really excited. One example of how much we had to think about is when we are in Spain we must cover numbers printed on the side of our cars or we will be classed as racers and be pulled over by police.

"We will get away from the tourist routes. It will be a life changing experience for us both."

So far they have raised just over £2,000. Anyone who would like to help is asked to contact 01254 775039.