FORGET the Paris-Dakar rally - a group of Gwent motoring enthusiasts are set to Trotter-round Wales Del Boy-style.

On Saturday a fleet of the cars immortalised by comedy classic Only Fools and Horses will set off on an endurance trip of a very different kind.

Travelling from Abercarn to Anglesey and back to Blackwood, the test for the drivers will be to keep the three wheels of their iconic Reliant Robins firmly on the road.

The event is being organised by rally group Ecurie Cymraeg in aid of the Welsh Air Ambulance.

Organiser Steve Durbin, from Abergavenny, told the Argus the idea was born over a pint at the local pub.

He said: "This is a one-off. No-one has ever done it before. "It is going to be a proper endurance test - 450 miles in a Robin Reliant is no mean feat, I can tell you."

Although Mr Durbin insists the tour is serious, he admits to being a fan of Del and Rodney.

He confessed: "I thoroughly enjoy the programme. And as part of the preparation we have held auto tests where the cones the cars had to manoeuvre around all spelt out the characters' names. "It's all good fun."

The Trotteround Wales has already evoked interest from as far away as Holland, and organisers hope to make it an annual event.

l The fleet is due to set off on its tour from Stately Albion, Abercarn, at 8am on November 6, and return to the Maes Manor, Blackwood, at 7.30pm on November 7.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the team should call 078 1588 4191.