A PAIR of brothers are busy preparing for an epic challenge when they take on the Italian Job.

Stephen and Michael Poad will spend almost a fortnight travelling from Darlington to Rome and back in a recreation of the legendary Michael Caine film.

For elder brother, Stephen, this well be the tenth time that he has taken on the challenger but for younger sibling Michael it will be his very first attempt.

And to help raise funds for Variety, the Children's Charity, the pair have been calling on local businesses to support their campaign and shops along Darlington's busy Grange Road have been happy to sponsor them.

Stephen Poad said: "From 2000 to 2008, I did the Italian Job nine times in the same car but it just wasn't up for the job again the following year as it had more than 100,000 miles on the clock and needed thousands of pounds spending on it.

"However, after a break Michael bought another Mini and we decided it was time to take on the challenge again – this time together."

When they arrive in Rome they 40-plus cars take part in a series of time trials to see who comes out on top.

Michael Poad, who owns MMT Motorcycles, said: "There was no way that I could have fitted in the Mini that Stephen used to use for the challenge but with this one, I am definitely up for the challenge."

Businesses along Grange Road, including Geoffrey Gillow where Stephen works, have sponsored the brothers to take on the challenge next month.

Anyone else interested in sponsoring them should visit their justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-poad sponsorship page or email info@mmtdarlington.com