A GROUP of seven driving enthusiasts from North Somerset took part in a gruelling 24-hour race to raise money for charity.

Along with friends from across England, their two teams took part in the 24-hour karting race at the Daytona Race Track in Milton Keynes to collect cash for Children’s Hospice South West, which runs Charlton Farm in Wraxall.

They entered in memory of Andy Johnson’s dad, Eddie ‘Ted’ Johnson who died 25 years ago this year, and called their teams British Racing Ted

Andy, aged 43 from Nailsea, said: “We competed in the event last year and it was a surprise as to how physically demanding it can be, particularly racing in the early ours of Sunday morning.

“This year we wanted to compete again and we felt it appropriate to race for Charlton Farm – I know Dad would have been a strong supporter of the work that is done there.”

For the race, which began at noon on October 15, Andy was joined by Nailsea residents 36-year-old Phil Collard, 32-year-old Charlie Delahunty, 41-year-old Ivan Fisher, 20-year-old Chris Frappell and 28-year-old John Hughes, along with Dickie Armour, aged 45 from Flax Bourton.

* Anyone wishing to still sponsor the team can visit http://www.justgiving.com/BritishRacingTedCHSW