HE MAY not have passed his driving test yet, but teenager Aaron Barnes has committed himself to raising £1,500 for charity on a 3,000-mile rally to Italy.

Aaron, who has just turned 17, has only got a few days to go before joining a convoy of 100 Minis on The Italian Job run to Turin.

But having been a kart-racing champ since childhood, Aaron is confident he'll pass his test in time to set off in his beloved ten-year-old Mini to the location of his favourite film - the 1969 Michael Caine classic The Italian Job.

Aaron, who has won more than 25 kart-racing trophies, said: "I've been racing karts since I was eight so I know how to drive. I'm going to do what I can to pass my test in time."

Aaron, who is studying A-levels at Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh, is setting off on the rally as part of a three-strong team with his dad Chris and mum Lynda, both 44.

He plans to drive his dark blue Mini - which he got for his 17th birthday - down to Turin, but Chris will take the wheel for the main track event because Aaron is not old enough.

When they reach the vineyards of northern Italy, the Mini drivers will be challenged to find wine - gold of the liquid kind - and return it to England to be auctioned for charity.

Aaron, of Spring Gardens, North Baddesley, needs to raise £1,500 for National Children's Charities on the rally later this month.

The former Mountbatten School pupil heard about the event after becomng a member of the Mini Owners Club.

He said: "I've just always really liked Minis because they're good fun and they've got a history behind them. I've seen The Italian Job lots of times and I think it's really cool.

"I can't wait to go now."

If you want to sponsor Aaron call 023 8073 9808.