A TEAM of Okehampton-based fundraisers head off on an exciting charity challenge across Europe this week.

The Screwball Rally Challenge set off from Mole Avon yesterday morning (Wednesday)) and will see three cars and 12 drivers drive across the continent to raise funds for Get Changed Theatre Company, a charity that works with learning disabled adults.

The challenge is the brainchild of Okehampton resident Martyn Partridge who is teaming up with a group of friends now dubbed ‘The Screwballers’.

The group, travelling in cars worth no more than £750, met at the starting point just outside Dover yesterday (Wednesday).

Here they caught a few hours of precious sleep before catching an early morning ferry to Dunkirk today (Thursday). From France they will head off in convoy covering 1,550 miles through five countries.

The drive will take them through Luxembourg, Lich-tenstein, Italy and France from September 24 to September 28.

Martyn and his team have managed to raise over £2,000 for Get Changed. Numerous companies from Okehampton and the wider area have sponsored the challenge.

The rally beneficiaries Get Changed work with adults from West Devon with learning disabilities.

Chairman of Get Changed, Christine Munkenbeck said: ‘We were delighted when Martyn suggested he fundraise for us and we are utterly amazed how much he and his team have been able to raise. We are so grateful for all the hard work they’ve put in to support us.’

Get Changed’s mission is to produce high-quality arts projects which challenge public attitudes and raise the profile of the disability community. Their work promotes independence, over-coming barriers and developing resilience.

To find out how you can support the lads’ effort and follow their progress search for the ‘Screwball Rally (2015) team’ on Facebook, go to the Get Changed Theatre Company’ Facebook page or www.getchanged.com