A COUPLE from Keighley is gearing up to hit the roads of Europe to support a charity which brightens up the lives of seriously ill youngsters.

Richard Pollard, of Malsis Road, and his partner Jayne Gill, of Broomhill Grove, will take part in the Fireball Rally this September in aid of Make a Wish Foundation UK.

They will be driving a Ford Focus, decorated to resemble the General Lee car from the Dukes of Hazzard television show.

Mr Pollard, 43, works as an inspector at Keighley Laboratories. Miss Gill is a care assistant for Bradford Health Trust.

They will have four days to drive through eight countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Mr Pollard said: "If this helps to make an ill child's life a little bit better then I'll be happy.

"I'm quite chuffed with how our car looks now considering it's a Ford Focus. A lot of the people taking part will be driving James Bond themed cars, so we wanted to do something a little different.

"It's not a race as such but we will be driving through some of the highest passes in Europe."

He paid tribute to Fat Cow Signs, of Steeton, which decorated his car at a discount.

He added he was hoping to raise a minimum of £500 for Make a Wish Foundation, which arranges special treats for children with life-threatening illnesses.

People can visit justgiving.com/fireballrally-simon-jayne/ to sponsor the couple online.