A GRANDFATHER has waved goodbye to his home town and set off on a 3,000 mile drive to the Arctic circle in a 2CV to raise money for a children's cancer charity.

Doug Redsell, 73, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, will spend 11 days living in his 30-year-old car as he travels in memory of his grandson, David, who died from a rare form of the disease, aged 11.

Mr Redsell has already raised £2,500 from sponsors and wellwishers, but hopes to collect more for the Candlelighters Trust, which supports young cancer patients and their families.

He was given a formal send-off by the mayor of Richmond, Coun John Robinson, outside the town hall on Tuesday. Coun Robinson gave him a framed picture of Richmond in the snow to present to the mayor of Vinstra, Richmond's twin town.

Mr Redsell will be self-sufficient on his trip, sleeping in the car and cooking Army rations on a camping stove. Local businesses, including Peter Marwood Citroen dealers and York-based Quicksilver Homes, have sponsored the expedition.

"I am looking forward to the trip," said Mr Redsell. "As well as raising money, I am hoping to raise the profile of the Candlelighters Trust because it is a Yorkshire charity and does amazing work."

A charity night to boost the fund will be held at The Ship, in Frenchgate, Richmond, on Saturday, September 29. The evening includes a silent auction for a signed 2004 England shirt, donated by the Richmond branch of the Travelcare travel agency.

Candlelighters is based at St James' University Hospital in Leeds, where any child diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire is treated.

Donations to Mr Redsell's efforts can be made via Fiona Hall, tel 07796-777916.