FIRE engine sirens and screeching tyres mingled with whoops of joy at the 14th annual Ladies Driving Challenge at Bovington.

A total of 115 women from across the county and beyond descended on the army camp land to race double decker buses, lorries and a fire engine around a large track.

The fundraisers also splashed through puddles off-road in four-wheel drive vehicles and reached for the sky with a cherry picker in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Becky Freeman, of Bridport, returned for a second year with her friends Sarah Gurd and Marilyn Wakely.

The 39-year-old said: “It’s just awesome, it’s a chance to drive things you wouldn’t normally drive and it’s all for a good cause.”

Portland medical secretary Andrea Higgs, 41, said: “It’s my second time here, I dragged my friend Catherine Styles along.

“You get to drive fast in a fire engine for a good cause, it’s not scary, it’s good fun.

“It’s a brilliant day out and I’ve raised about £100.”

Nine women from across the county took part wearing self-made badges declaring ‘Hugh Jass Corporation’.

Mum-of-one Becky Hassett, of Wareham, said her group of friends had raised £1,000 in total and added: “This is my first time and I’ve really enjoyed it, the bus drivers have been excellent.

“We’ve also been on the 4x4 off-road ones and cherry picker, I definitely want to come again.”

Amy Llewellyn, community fundraising manager for Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “We had 115 women taking part this year, which is probably our lowest number for three years.

“It’s a shame and we’re not sure why because everybody absolutely loves it but we’re going to get some new vehicles and open registration earlier for next year.

“We’re also going to ask Bovington Camp for a bit more room for our 15th anniversary year.”

Drama occurred when a dumper truck broke down on the way to this year’s event and the police car was also unable to attend but Amy said it would be back for 2012.

She added: “We’re hoping to get an ice cream van, bendy bus, skid cars and tank for next year but we need private owners to donate their time, vehicle and fuel, we provide the insurance.

“All the money goes towards local cancer care, it costs £20 an hour for a Marie Curie nurse and £180 to fund an overnight shift, where a nurse can be with families from 10pm to 7am.

“The last four years this event has raised £20,000 or more so we’re hoping to get somewhere near that.”

Registration for next year’s Ladies Driving Challenge, Bovington will open in early November.

For information contact Amy on 01935 423987 or you can send an email to amy.llewellyn@mariecurie.org.uk