A 3,500-mile trek to western Africa taking in two continents and the Sahara desert is hardly a typical charity excursion.

But for 67-year-old Steven Abrams and 68-year-old Jeff Shulkind, the trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The two friends began the three-week Timbuktu Challenge on Wednesday, driving a 1995 Renault Espace through Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco and Mauritania before, hopefully, reaching their final destination in Mali.

The pair have aleady raised more than £1,500 for Liverpool charities, Merseyside Jewish Community Care (MJCC) and the Stapely Residential and Nursing Home.

Retired Mr Abrams is a veteran of long road trips. He has previously
driven from England to Australia.