A GROUP of friends from Abergavenny have signed-up to take part in one of Europe’s most famous driving events – the Monte Carlo or Bust Rally.

The team from Abergavenny is led by Clive Francis who put the group forward for the event.

The rally is a three-day wacky driving adventure to Monte Carlo via six countries that sees hundreds of decorated cars and crews in fancy dress drive some of Europe’s most exciting and challenging roads.

Teams are asked to source and theme a banger for less than £500 and take part in a variety of hilarious challenges along the way, competing for points and prizes. The event was founded in 2013 and participants have raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Day one will see the team drive from Abergavenny to Namur in Belgium where they’ll spend the night before heading through Luxembourg and France to Germany’s Black Forest region and the ancient city of Freiburg. Here their banger will get a well-earned overnight break before crossing the border to Switzerland and heading over the incredible St. Gotthard’s Pass.

The pass at 2,106 m (6,909 ft) is a mountain pass in the Alps full of twists and turns and knuckle-clenching bridges and corners. Once over the pass the teams will spend their final evening on the shores of Lake Como in the beautiful town of Menaggio ahead of the final day that sees arrive in Monte Carlo for a lap of the famous F1 street circuit.

Rally spokesperson Simon Johnston said, “The Monte Carlo or Bust Rally continues to be one of Europe’s favourite driving adventures. We are delighted that Clive and the team are joining us next summer and we wish them all the best with their preparations. We can’t wait to see what their car will look like and we hope the people of Abergavenny will support them as they prepare for the event.”

The team now have until May to get their car and fancy dress ready for the event. Organisers are keen to find other teams from Abergavenny who may be interesting in taking part and more information can be found on the event website at http://www.bustrallies.com.