A TEAM of intrepid explorers is taking on a charity challenge with a twist, as they drive a tuk tuk all the way from Malvern to Marrakesh.

Many people in Malvern, Colwall and Ledbury will have spotted a peculiar sight on the roads over the last few weeks, with an Indian tuk tuk buzzing around.

Paul Morrissey, Debbie Morrissey, Bobby Whatley and Andrew Coles will be driving the tuk tuk all the way to Morocco to raise money for the charity Sightsavers.

The tuk tuk was imported brand new from India, where the small vehicles are common sights on the roads throughout the subcontinent.

Ledbury Reporter: JOURNEY: The tuk tuk which will be driven from Malvern to MarrakeshJOURNEY: The tuk tuk which will be driven from Malvern to Marrakesh

He said: "We imported it via a country in Manchester specialising in tuk tuks and had to get the appropriate checks carried out for it to be registered in the UK.

"We are allowing for one month, but are hoping to complete it in under three weeks."

Mr Morrissey added: "The Route will be Malvern to Portsmouth then the ferry to Santander and overland to Gibraltar before another ferry to Morocco and overland to Marrakesh.

"We will have a support vehicle and trailer and will use the trailer to bring the tuk tuk from Marrakesh back to UK."

The team sets off on May 5 next year, but is keen to spread the word early to try and hit its fundraising target of £10,000.

When the team eventually does leave Malvern, it is planning to do so with an escort of three-wheelers from Morgan Motor Company, stopping in at different locations along the way to drum up support.

Sightsavers helps protect the rights and health of blind and visually-impaired people across the world.

The organisation works in more than 30 countries worldwide helping treat debilitating conditions like cataracts, performing more than eight million cataract operations since the 1950s.

As well as surgery, the charity also helps combat neglected tropical diseases like Trachoma and river blindness.

It also advocates for the rights of visually impaired people in their communities.

To find out more about the Malvern to Marrakesh challenge and to donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marrakeshexpress2023