TWO East Cornwall men have raised the most sponsorship for Macmillan in the Cape to Cape Classic Car Challenge for the second year running, bringing their grand total to almost £17,000.

Terry Bolt from Callington and Jeff Hearn from Cox Park completed the gruelling 2,000-mile trek through Portugal and Spain in Terry's 1950 MG TD — but it was not without drama.

Forty cars completed a route that included mountain passes, tests of navigational skill, timed sections and many other hazards, but they also encountered the worst weather seen in the area for many years, with the field having to negotiate heavy snow, torrential rain and gales as well as the odd glimpse of sunshine.

'It's not what you normally expect in Spain and Portugal at this time of year so it was quite a challenge,' said Jeff. 'We also thought on the last day we might not be able to complete it because we had a problem with the car.'

Just as they entered Cornwall at Horsebridge the supercharger on the MG TD went wrong but luckily they were able to finish in an MG Midget sponsored by the MG Car Club which was following the last leg of the run.

At the awards ceremony in Falmouth Terry and Jeff were awarded the Trisha Greenslade trophy for the crew who raised the most sponsorship for Macmillan Cancer Support — a magnificent total of £10,250.

In last year's challenge from Cape Wrath in Scotland to Cape Cornwall the pair raised £6,700, beating the field in sponsorship terms.

Since the challenge began ten years ago over half a million pounds has been raised for Macmillan.

Terry, whose wife died from cancer, and Jeff said they were extremely grateful to all the local groups who had helped organise fundraising events in Callington and the Tamar Valley and to all their many friends and family who had been so supportive during their campaign.