A HAMPSHIRE tree surgeon is branching out by tackling a 10,000-mile fund-raising trip.

Charlie Martin aims to drive a £1,300 car, which is ten years old, from Goodwood racing circuit in West Sussex to Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia.

He expects to take six weeks to complete the Mongol Rally, which is being held in mid-July to raise money for good causes.

The 24-year-old, who lives in Hyde Church Lane, Hyde, Winchester, was persuaded to tackle the challenge by his brother, Jim. The 30-year-old painter and decorator, who now lives in Germany, will share the driving.

Their four wheel drive 1.2-litre Daihatsu Terios has no air conditioning, which could lead to an uncomfortable trip in high summer.

They could not buy anything larger because the Mongol Rally is aimed at small vehicles, about half of which usually fail to finish.

The Martin brothers have selected the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation as their good cause. It protects and offers education to youngsters in Mongolia and Vietnam.