A COUPLE are planning a 7,000-mile European tour to raise money for charity. James and Jan Di Carlo, from Fairmile, Fleet, refuse to be daunted by the fact that they will be traveling In the smallest Flat ever - the Fiat 500.

The tiny car, supplied by Cleveland Cars of Ash Street, Ash, which is also the venue for their leaving party, has a special meaning for the couple. Mr Di Carlo has planned the seven week trip to mark his retirement after 20 years of restoring this make of car at the couple's own business In Fleet.

The funds raised will go to the Parkinson's Disease Society - a subject close to Mrs Di Carlo's heart as her father died of Parkinson's disease In 1990.

"It a dreadful disease. I want to raise as much money as possible for the society," said Mrs Di Carlo. "Whenever anyone mentions the word charity, Parkinson's always springs to mind." They have so far collected £600.

Starting front Norway, they plan to travel through the rest of Scandinavia and take in Austria and Switzerland, among other places, before ending up In Spain and France.

Italian Mr Di Carlo is not hanging up his spanners for good - he will be taking along a wide range of tools just in case the car breaks down on the way.

In each country, the couple will be visiting a Flat 500 club. "It's a real challenge. I'm excited but quite nervous," said Mrs Di Carlo.

'It's the mountainous areas that worry me - I have never driven through that type of terrain before."

Her husband added: "Everyone thinks we are mad to go off in this car but it will be such a challenge and that is what life is all about. "This is a trip I have always wanted to do, and It's a great way to celebrate my retirement."

The couple leave this week and are appealing for people to donate to the Parkinson's Disease Society or to sponsor their trip by buying advertising space on the car.

Anyone Interested can contact the society on 0207 9318080.