THE OWNERS of a family kit car business travelled across the French Alps dressed as cartoon characters to raise money for charity.

Ian Castle and his partner Belle drove a decorated Nissan Micra across France, Switzerland and Italy to raise funds for Ben, a charity supporting automotive workers and their families.

The pair, who run Classic Coachworks, which sells body kits to transform BMW Z3's into classic cars, took part in annual fundraising challenge, 'Bangers4Ben'.

READ MORE: See inside 'refreshed' convenience store after refurbishment

Belle as 'Penelope Pitstop'Belle as 'Penelope Pitstop' (Image: Ian Castle)

Organised by charity Ben, the challenge sees 45 teams, with a driver and co-driver, journey across the Alps from October 5 to 8 in a car costing less than £750 before auctioning off the vehicle.

"I have some physical limitations and things, so I know how hard that can be and I've seen first hand the work that charities like Ben do.

"When we first volunteered to do this, we didn't know where we were going. It's up to eight hours driving a day, so we didn't know if my physical limitations would be a problem," said Belle.

The 47-year-old explained that the event's theme was children's cartoons of the past and present, which led them to pick 'Wacky Races', an American cartoon from the late 1960s about cars racing through locations across North America.

The Nissan Micra, which they nicknamed 'Magic Mike' was then decorated by 'super talented' street artist, Willow the Wispa.

Belle continued: "I was sponsored for all four days to wear bright pink clothes, because I hate pink. 

SEE ALSO: Mystery solved as old Timpson building will become ANOTHER barber shop

"Ian had a challenge to dress up as Freddie Mercury so he borrowed a hoover, dyed his hair and moustache black and performed a Queen song in the hotel lobby, wearing a pink dress."

In addition to supporting Ben, the Nissan Micra was selected as the official 'Driven Women' entry by the British Motor Show. The campaign aims to encourage more women to engage with cars and the automotive industry.

Belle, who is a mechanic, explained that she mentors a number of young girls in the industry who say they have experienced barriers due to their gender. 

She added: "It never occurred to me that you couldn't do anything because you are a female, but you start to get told by other people about the challenges they face."

At the time of writing, Belle and Ian have raised £747 out of their £1,050 target, all of which will be donated to Ben.

Belle concluded: "We had great fun, but its for a serious matter.

"It’s a huge family the automotive industry, we've had a lot of friends who have had crashes so to be able to help, it means a lot."

To donate to the fundraiser, visit giving.ben.org.uk/pf/classiccoachworks