A COUPLE are jumping into one of their Minis and following in the tyre treads of Michael Caine in an Italian Job-style attempt to help young people.

Paul Taylor and Penny Rudolph will spend eight days on the Continent, raising cash at an international event for the National Children's Home.

The Mini enthusiasts, who live in Westhoughton, hope to collect more than £1,500 in sponsorship and donations for the event, an annual reunion celebrating the 1960s film which has become a cult movie.

And during their journey to Italy they must collect as many bottles of wine as they can which will be auctioned on their return to Allesley Close.

Mr Taylor, aged 38, has competed in the event once before and met Penny at a reunion dinner held in 1999.

He said: "We go to all the motor shows, but this is the best event of the year. It is so much fun."

The couple will set off on October 19 in their blue Mini Cooper S and have to meet at Imola days later.

The event, which has been running for 12 years and is naturally called the Italian Job, will bring together dozens of motorists from England, America, Germany, Japan and Holland.

As well as the wine collecting, teams must take part in a three-day assault course competition, when they will be tested on their speed and manoeuvres.

The couple moved to Westhoughton recently and their two Minis came with them. They fell in love with the vehicles many years ago. If you would like to sponsor them or donate some money, call them on 07787762934.