A TEAM from TrustFord St Helens will be testing their stamina with a 25-hour charity drive - but they are keeping their lips tight over their planned destination.

The crew, from the dealers on Sherdley Road, are looking to put at least 1,400 miles between them and TrustFord's Fleet Distribution Centre where “Breakout For Ben” a driving challenge, raising money for Ben, the dedicated automotive industry charity, will start.

There will be 54 teams jumping into an All-New Ford Focus or Ford Tourneo to drive as far away from TrustFord’s Fleet Distribution Centre in Long Marston as they can in 25 hours. Teams will leave at 11am on Thursday (December 6).

The aim is to raise as much money for Ben as possible.

Teams will be encouraged to raise funds by asking colleagues, local businesses, friends, family and business partners to donate or sponsor the team vehicle.

St Helen’s team, called “The Test Eagles” pun intended, comprises of new car sales executives Mark Johnson, Stuart Williams, Kev Yenson plus Adam Lake, a technician.

Mark, 28, says they are keeping their planned destination a secret, but did reveal the team had come up with their own strategy.

“We have an experienced camper and traveller Kev, and of course our technician Adam for any bumps we may face on the road," said Mark.

“Our route has been planned precisely, so we’ll be working together to be as efficient as possible and make sure we get as far away from the starting point as we possibly can!”

To help them get on the road and raise as much money as possible, TrustFord will provide each team with fully fuelled vehicles, branded with the TrustFord Breakout for Ben logo.

They will also get a £400 allowance to spend on fuel, food and accommodation. In line with TrustFord’s ‘Spirit of Care’, team members will not be required to use their annual leave time to participate.

Teams will be competing for a range of awards including the Chairman’s Prize for the team reaching the furthest destination; Most Efficient Use of Fuel; Best Fancy Dress; Most Money Raised Pre-Drive; Most Money Raised Overall; Single Biggest Donation; and Most Unusual or Novel Destination.

Mark added: “We have already built up a lot of anticipation within the dealership for our planned fancy dress, so we’re definitely expecting to win that prize!”