NOT many people would want to swap a gleaming sports car for a noisy old banger with 240,000 miles on the clock.

But Gillingham man Declan Hicks will be doing just that when he gets behind the wheel for the 2005 charity Plymouth-Dakar Challenge.

The 35-year-old intrepid adventurer is one of 400 entrants selected from thousands of hopefuls from across the world to compete in the 3,000-mile trek.

Declan picked up the left-hand drive Volvo 240 Estate for slightly more than the £100 stipulated in the rules for the event but he's hoping it will get him there in one piece.

"For a 1992 model it's in amazingly good condition and although it hasn't been driven for some time, it passed its MOT," said Declan, of Honeyfields. "One of the other rules is that you're only allowed to spend £15 on preparing the car."

He leaves Plymouth for France on February 18 and will spend the following three weeks driving across France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, the Sahara desert, to Dakar, Senegal to Banjul in the Gambia. The route includes 2,000 miles off-road.

"We'll be dodging border minefields, soft sand, dust storms and camels but we'll also have three days of driving along the beaches of West Africa which should be great.

"We'll stay in groups travelling through the desert so we can help each other out if we break down. There'll be plenty of camaraderie."

Declan is currently looking for a co-driver and says potential candidates must have both a sense of humour and adventure.

The challenge - now in its third year - is well known for the number of novelty vehicles which take part. When they arrive in Africa they are auctioned off with funds raised going to local charities.

Declan, who designs breweries, said: "Despite being bangers, these cars will be treasured items in such a poor country and will get put to very good use. The best are often donated to hospices and used as ambulances."

Declan is planning to pack his car with goods for local schools, hospitals and charities and is asking local companies and individuals for their help. Popular items include writing equipment, small toys and medical kits.

He is also looking for sponsorship to help fund camping equipment and costs towards travelling to France.

Anyone who can help can call Declan on 07970 642129.

First published: Sept 21