A PLUCKY Waterside couple with a spirit of adventure are planning to take off in a Mini this autumn in aid of charity.

Anna Cosgrove and her boyfriend Paul Mason, both from Dibden Purlieu, are taking Paul's 13-year-old Mini, Bluebell, on "The Italian Job", fundraising for the

children's charity NCH in the style of the classic movie starring Michael Caine, the centrepiece of which involved a troupe of Minis.

The pair will be travelling to Imola and back via Turin in the 1989 vehicle, which has been modified with a 1.4-litre, 110bhp engine.

They have started fundraising for the trip, which has been run every year since 1990, having previously been a Beaujolais run in 1989.

This is the first time that either Anna or Paul has taken part in the event.

"It's exciting - and daunting," admitted Paul.

"But it should also be good fun."

The trip takes nine days, starting on October 24, and involves a three-day navigational rally around the Imola area, including a circuit of the famous race track, courtesy of Ferrari.

A percentage of the money raised goes to Italian children's charities, with the rest going to the NCH, a national charity which funds local projects to help under-privileged children.

About 100 Minis will be taking part in the event.

In order to be one of them, each team must raise £1,500 for the charity.

Anyone who would like to help Anna and Paul, by becoming a sponsor, can have their logo on the side of the car for a year.

The bigger the donation, the bigger the advertising on the car.

For further details, contact Paul or Anna on ItalianJob2002 @aol.com, or call 07736 521897.