A WINCHESTER airline pilot has swopped his plane for a Mini as he embarks on a European car rally for charity.

Mark Beaumont, 52, from Otterbourne, will take part in the Monte Carlo of Bust rally – inspired by the 1969 comedy film – to raise money for Standards Against Female Exploitation (SAFE).

The charity works to tackle human trafficking.

The married father-of-two will join other motorists to drive more than 1,000 miles via France, Switzerland and Italy in his Mini Cooper, starting on September 4.

“I like driving and am interested in cars,” he said. “It’s a real honour to be able to take part in this rally for such a worthy cause.”

“Human trafficking is a despicable trade and it’s important to raise awareness of it and put mechanisms in place to put traffickers out of business.

“SAFE does a great job to promote self-regulation and help people who have been affected by trafficking. But it needs funds to carry out its work and I wanted to help in some small way.”

Mr Beaumont has raised over £2,000 to date and is still collecting donations.

To sponsor him visit his page here.