A group of modern day explorers, including one from Swanton Morley, are one step closer to taking part in the road trip of a lifetime which will raise �1,000 for charity - but still need a helping hand to get their budget motor race ready.

A group of modern day explorers, including one from Swanton Morley, are one step closer to taking part in the road trip of a lifetime which will raise �1,000 for charity - but still need a helping hand to get their budget motor race ready.

Vicky Holt, Gary Myerscough and Abi Larkowsky are hoping to pit their skills against drivers from across Europe in The Mongol Rally, one of the toughest races in the world.

The trio will endeavour to drive across more than a dozen countries to reach Mongolia all in the name of charity and now have a car they can start preparing for the gruelling challenge.

Norwich insurance company Swinton Insurance, which Mr Myercough works for, donated �500 towards a car and M&B Vehicle Sales on Aylsham Road, offer the team a discounted car for �550.

The rules state it must be about one litre and no more than 10 years old and so the group, named the Dorks of Hazard, have gone for a silver X Reg Nissan Micra which they will spray orange.

But the team are now working hard to raise money for charity and find car parts and equipment to get them to the end of the race.

Jerry Beringer, a partner at M&B vehicle Sales, previously Aylsham Motors, said: 'You've got to admire their spirit to drive thousands of miles in a tiny car across all sorts of conditions. It's going to be difficult at the best of times so good luck to them.'

Miss Holt, 27, from Swanton Morley, who works as a site administrator at Fakenham Race Course, said she and the team are working to replace parts on the car and learning as much as possible.

She said: 'Anything could go wrong but as long as we don't burn out the clutch or the breaks and pick our route wisely I hope we'll be ok.

'When we get to Kazakhstan though it's all sand and pot holes though so we'll see.'

To help raise funds the group have organised a masquerade ball to be held at Drayton Old Lodge, Drayton High Road, Drayton, near Norwich, on April 18.

All money raised on the night will go to charity while the ticket cost will cover expenses.

Prizes will also be auctioned and have been donated from various Norwich companies including Ritual Day Spa, Max Giamello Hair Salon, Scuba 4 Me and Suits U.

The group is also looking for anybody who can help with car parts or equipment at cost price to help them on their way.

In 2007 the Mongol Rally raised �200,000 for charities which mostly support disadvantaged families and children in Mongolia.

This year each team has pledged to raise at least �1,000 before they enter and two of the charities which will benefit are the Mercy Corps in Mongolia which supports vulnerable and injured Mongolian children and the Christina Noble Children's Foundation which supports rural communities. The trip will begin on July 18 and is expected to last about one month.

To find out more about the masquerade ball or to buy tickets, or to help the group with their preparation, call 07505 290240.

To find out more about the rally visit the website at www.mongolrally.theadventurists.com