Two teenagers have just set off on a 10,000km car rally to Mongolia in a vehicle older than both its drivers.

Charlie Roberts, 19, from Barnston and Will Bibb, 19, from Stebbing, went to the Mongol Rally send off party in Battersea Park earlier this month ahead of their charity escapade in a 1989 2CV “lovingly restored” by Will’s father Chris.

The Mongol Rally is a mad-cap adventure with over 300 cars taking part. Participants can chose their own route and time to arrive in the Mongolian capital.

Charlie’s dad David said: “Will and Charlie are on a Northern Route and should be somewhere in northern Russia about now, having travelled through the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

“They left the UK on the Harwich Ferry - but only made the boat by 10 minutes after missing the Harwich turning on the A12!”

He added: “Their route should take them down through Kazakhstan and into Mongolia – where they hope to meet up with others on the journey.

“It’s going to be a daunting adventure for a car older than both its drivers!”

The boys have been friends for over 10 years – and were former pupils at FKS School in Felsted. Charlie is starting at the Institute of Contemporary Music in London in September and Will has a place at university before aiming to join the Welsh Guards.

The pair are raising money for Save the Children and the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal.

The boys have created a blog which they intend to update when they have internet connection. It can be viewed at theunlikelylads.tumblr.com/