Jonny Belton (22), Graham Allen (22) and Laurie Williams (21) are completing the challenge as part of the Africa Rally, which will see 41 teams leaving London's Hyde Park on a quest to reach the Cameroon beach resort of Kribi, by August 16.

The rules of the rally state participants can only travel in a car which is considered to be an "old banger" with the engine capacity limited at one-litre.

Organisers, The Adventurists, have also refused to provide any recommended routes for the trip, meaning those brave enough to take part will enjoy an adventure in the true sense of the word.

The three friends are competing under the name Team Big Fat Mess and selected a Metro as their vehicle of choice, which has been decorated in British Racing Green colours, complete with racing stripes.

Graham, of Downham, a former pupil at Downham High School who has just completed a marketing degree at Bournemouth University, told the Lynn News: "I am really confident we are going to get there. We will beg, borrow and steal our way round if we have to.

"The car has to have a one-litre engine and has to be the most inappropriate vehicle you can think of. We have got a 1982 Austin Metro which is older than any of the people in it.

"We have never done anything like this before, our mechanical knowledge is not too great but it should be good fun."

Jonny, of West Winch, has just completed his university studies in Bradford and, like Graham, is a former pupil of Downham High School.

Laurie is based in Surrey and is a friend of Jonny's from university.

They are taking part in the challenge to raise money for Send A Cow, a charity helping poor farmers to become self-reliant, and the Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund.

If you are interesting in supporting the team visit the fundraising page www.willwe makeit.com/teambigfatmess-came roon2008