THIS year’s Cornwall Banger Rally Challenge got underway at Charlestown Harbour at the weekend.

The Benidorm or Bust teams gathered at the picturesque village, near St Austell, on Sunday to begin their fundraising trip across Europe for charity.

Residents and visitors in the village got the chance to soak up the carnival atmosphere and enjoy live music from The Dead Vandalz prior to the convoy setting off on their epic journey.

Those taking part can expect daily missions and challenges, scenic mountain passes, and a huge final-night blowout when all the teams finish the trip in Benidorm, Spain, on Saturday, September 19.

Organisers do not reveal the route before-hand, only the start and finish destinations, presenting participants with a feeling of stepping into the unknown.

With many challenges to be contested along the way, the end of the trip will see prizes being handed out to three best teams overall, with the winning group receiving £500 for their chosen charity.

Last year’s banger rally, which took participants to Vienna in Austria, raised over £30,000 for various local and national charities.

To follow the teams on their European journey, visit the Cornwall Banger Rally Challenge Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/people/Cornwall-Banger-Rally-Challenge/100095291860308