A RETIRED man is embarking on a rally drive across Europe in a bid to raise vital funds for an armed forces charity.

66-year-old Paul Spencer is getting behind the wheel of his Aston Martin with friend Stephen Beard to race across the continent in Rally for Heroes.

The Odiham resident is hoping that his efforts will help towards raising £100,000 for military charity SSAFA.

The rally will see 50 riders take to their motors and drive up to 3,000 miles - a figure which accounts five miles for every one of the 1,885 fallen men and women in the Afghanistan conflict.

And the for Mr Spencer the biennial race gives him a chance to explore the world whilst raising money.

“I used to work for British Airways, so as you can imagine I don’t like standing still or being in one place for too long,” Mr Spencer said.

“I did the race back in 2014, and got such a buzz from it that I had to do it again because its a way of helping with a fantastic cause.

“The fundraising for this depends a lot on the generosity of the general public, so I am grateful, as always, for their support.”

The rally starts at the Royal Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth before it travels to Brussels, on to Nürburgring racetrack in Germany and down to Turin through the Alps.

From there, it moves on taking in the sites of bustling places such as Monaco, the Pyrenees and then Le Mans.

It finishes nine days later, after its August 5 start, in Waltham Abbey, Essex where the drivers will then be given an escort back to Portsmouth. 

Each time Rally for Heroes takes place, they nominate a military charity to support and this year money raised will go to SSAFA - who aim to support members of the armed forces, veterans and their families now and for the rest of their lives.

“Driving through the Alps is always a highlight as there are long periods of driving and reflection,” Mr Spencer, who raised more than £7,000 for the charity last year, said.

“The scenery is fascinating and some of the roads are a lot smaller so require more concentration in terms of driving skills.

“I have raised £3,500 so far and just hope people continue to donate for this worthwhile cause.”

To sponsor Mr Spencer visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/paulspencer5 or for more information about Rally for Heroes go to rallyforheroes.com.