WOMEN are often the butt of men's cruel jibes when they get behind the wheel.But it was a case of anything men can do, woman can do better this weekend as hundreds showed off their skills at the 6th annual Ladies Charity Driving Challenge.

WOMEN are often the butt of men's cruel jibes when they get behind the wheel.

But it was a case of anything men can do, woman can do better this weekend as hundreds showed off their skills at the 6th annual Ladies Charity Driving Challenge.

Stretch limos, sports cars, double decker buses, police cars, HGV's and 4 x 4 off roaders were just some of the vehicles 760 plus women took for a spin over the two days.

The event, held at the 1,000 acre former RAF base at Bentwaters, raised nearly £50,000 for good causes last year.

Frank Turmel of Main Event Group Activities – the organisation behind the annual charity abseil at Ipswich Hospital, was delighted with the response: "It went very well. The weather was a bit wet but it hasn't damaged the spirit of the ladies. They really enjoyed it.

"The airfield gives them plenty of room with lots of runways then can taxi down. It is going from strength to strength.

"It gives them the opportunity of a lifetime. Some enjoy using the emergency vehicles with the sirens blaring and others like the 4 x 4's. It is a fantastic experience.

"Obviously it is a bit of a novelty for the guys. But the truck drivers, farmers etc are always far more favourable in doing this sort of thing for the women."

The charity abseil and the driving challenge has raised £830,000 over seven years and this year MEGA hope to reach the £1 million pound mark.

The event gave ladies the chance to drive the vehicles over a three-and-a-half hour period. The event was split into six different categories including sports cars and a 4 x 4 section run by the Suffolk Landrover Owners Club.

All the women received a certificate for taking part in the event.

It is hoped to organise a similar event for men in September.

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