TWO friends and a car they paid just �200 for are preparing for the challenge of a lifetime the Scumrun.

TWO friends and a car they paid just �200 for are preparing for the challenge of a lifetime - the Scumrun.Mitch Cooper, 27, an architect technician, and Grant Stevens, 26, a ceiling fixer, both of Honiton, will join 100 other teams at Portsmouth on April 16 before taking a ferry to Le Havre and lining up on the world famous rally's start line.The rules of the rally are that vehicles must be purchased for less than �500, but any amount can be spent doing them up.The route of the 4,000 kilometre rally will not be revealed until the teams are in France. The journey will take place over four days and travel across Europe.Team Cunning Stunts' D-reg Toyota Supra, which had been off the road for two years before Mitch and Grant bought it, will be given a fancy dress facelift especially for the event. There is a prize for the best and their theme is a closely guarded secret - for now.Paul Richards Motors, of Honiton Business Park, has sponsored the team, carrying out repairs.He has changed the Toyota's suspension and brakes, and ensured the vehicle is roadworthy.Just Japanese, a subsidiary of ALS, has supplied parts at cost price.J D Tyres and Exhausts put four new tyres on the car."We paid �220 for the car," said Mitch, who only thought about entering the Scumrun when he saw it advertised on the internet."We've never done anything like it before and we are both useless with cars!"I phoned Grant and paid the entry fee on the spot."The rally's motto is: "You don't have to be rich and famous - just the balls to survive."The charity rally aims to raise cash for good causes and Team Cunning Stunts have to collect �500 in sponsorship.However, their cause is children's hospice care charity CHASE and they hope to raise more."We want to raise as much as we can," said Mitch.Sponsorship forms can be downloaded from Mitch and Grant's website - www.teamcunningstunts.co.ukDonations can be made via www.justgiving.com/teamcunningstuntsn CHASE, the Scumrun's official charity, supports families with life-limited children and teenagers.The charity was founded in 1990 and, since then, has touched the lives of more than 1,200 family members.