A STUDENT from Chippenham is planning an 8,000-mile dash across a quarter of the earth's surface to Mongolia this summer to raise money for charity.

Peter Singlehurst, 20, of Rowden Lane, and Durham University student Richard Knock, 19, from York, are taking part in the Mongol Rally a five-week race to Mongolia in a less than 1,000cc car.

The two are trying to raise £3,000 for two charities, Mercy Corps and Send A Cow, and are trying to get sponsorship from companies in return for advertising on their vehicle.

Mr Singlehurst said: "I'm planning on taking my Swiss army knife but I think people are going to be quite friendly only two people got held at knifepoint in last year's race.

The two, who call themselves Team Marco Polo, have no qualifications in car engineering and are hoping that a few spare tyres in the boot of their Ford Fiesta will be enough.

Anyone interested in sponsoring them should visit www.marcopolo2006.co.uk or www.mongolrally.com