IN the 1967 film The Italian Job Michael Caine roared across Italy to steal gold. Thirty five years later a team from Woodbridge, inspired by the movie, is crossing the continent in a Mini Cooper – also in the search for money but this time to help children's charities.

IN the 1967 film The Italian Job Michael Caine roared across Italy to steal gold.

Thirty five years later a team from Woodbridge, inspired by the movie, is crossing the continent in a Mini Cooper – also in the search for money but this time to help children's charities.

Paul Gane 41, of Laxfield, near Woodbridge, partnered by Alison Ree 32, from Hampshire, are taking part in the annual 'Italian Job Touring Event', which since 1990 has raised over £1 million for good causes.

Paul and Alison bought the car especially for the ten-day, 3,000-mile round trip to Imola, home of the Italian Grand Prix, where they will spend a day racing on the famous track. On the way they will take part in a treasure hunt and a series of road rallies.

The pair hope to have time to visit some of the locations used in the film when they visit Turin. They will also have to find room amongst the spares for a dinner jacket and ball gown as they are attending a gala ball in the city.

They are Team 17, and have raised nearly £2,000 in sponsorship for the 100-car event.

They are being helped along the way by the Ipswich branches of AutoFit which has donated a spare set of tyres, and Halfords which has supplied equipment essential to the journey.

The rally began last week and should arrive back on November 1.