A TEAM of hardy explorers set off on a charity drive to Mongolia this weekend.

The Bromsgrove-based team, consisting of leader Andrew Hazell, from Mandeville Way, Lea Park off Stourbridge Road, Tom Birch, aged 22, of Stonehouse Road, and Australian Craig Vaughan, 27, are participating in the Mongolia Charity Rally along with 80 other teams.

Team Ghenghis Can't, the name chosen as a pun on the leader of the Mongol Empire as many teams participating struggle to finish, start out from the town on their three-week, 8,000 miles adventure this Saturday (July 5). They will be travelling in a donated van as they drive across five mountain ranges, two deserts and 15 countries, finishing at Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar.

Andrew, aged 21, said: "The rally is all about raising awareness and funds for a number of charities in Mongolia.

"The objective is to drive a vehicle to Mongolia and donate it to a children's charity. We'll also be raising funds for Save the Children and the Cambridge Mongolian Disaster Appeal." The team hope to raise around £1,000, having already collected £500. Following the journey, the three also plan to make it to Beijing, for the Olympic games opening ceremony. The group are still appealing to local businesses for sponsorship. Anyone who can help should visit the team's website at www.teamghenghiscant.co.uk Townsfolk are also being invited to a send off, fundraising barbecue at the Red Lion pub, in the High Street, this Friday (July 4).