Jonny Belton (22), Graham Allen (22) and Laurie Williams (21) were hoping to conquer some of the world’s wildest jungles as part of their effort in the Africa Rally, which saw a fleet of 40 vehicles leave London’s Hyde Park on a quest to reach the Cameroon beach resort of Kribi.

But after covering 5,000 miles in their old banger Team Big Fat Mess failed to reach the finish line as their Metro finally died after undergoing a number of running repairs.

Despite suffering the heartbreak of failing to finish Jonny, of West Winch, described the trip as a great success.

He told the Lynn News: “It was an amazing adventure and we met some great people. Travelling through Europe was great and the ferry to Africa was a real highlight with the sunset over Gibraltar.

“Africa was a crazy experience. There are not a lot of rules, with donkeys and motorcycles coming at you, it was quite a challenge.

“We kind of got to the point where we were running out of food and money. When it (the car) finally went there was no way we could get it fixed but getting back for a shower and shave was really good.

“It was the stupidest and most amazing thing I have ever done.”

The rules of the rally stated participants could only travel in a car considered to be an “old banger” with an engine capacity limited at one-litre.

Organisers The Adventurists also refused to provide any recommended routes for the trip.

After leaving London Team Big Fat Mess suffered mechanical problems in Germany, when the suspension collapsed which was later followed by faults with the brakes.

After travelling for 100 kilometres without brakes the car then suffered constant braking before grinding to a halt in Mali.

The trio then sold the car to the local police for just 40 euros and headed for home.

Graham, of Downham, a former pupil at Downham High School, where he studied with Jonny, said: “It was such a great adventure, everywhere you went was totally different.

“We were disappointed not to finish but in a way we were relieved as it is quite taxing spending all that time in a car.”

The friends have raised more than £1,300 for Send A Cow, a charity helping Third World farmers become more self-reliant, and the Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fun.

Donations can still be made via the fundraising page www.willwemakeit.com/teambigfatmess-cameroon2008