Cotswold press officer off on adventure (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cotswold press officer off on adventure

THE voice of Gloucestershire police, Matt Ford, has embarked on an adventure of a lifetime.

Matt, 29, who is the press officer for Cotswold police and frequently quoted in the Standard, set off for western Africa in a old BMW banger on Christmas Day.

Along with friend Richard Graham, also 29, the adventurer is taking part in the demanding Plymouth-Banjul Challenge.

The rally sees a motley collection of some 200 cars, each costing less than £100, drive over 3,000 miles from Plymouth to the west coast of Africa.

The trip is expected to take around three weeks, after which their BMW 320I will be auctioned to raise money for schools in The Gambia.

Matt, who lives in Cheltenham, said he had no real worries about the trip.

He said: "It depends how often the car breaks down - everybody just aims to finish.

"We will be crossing four or five borders and it should be a good laugh. I don't think there is anything to worry about, except breaking down of course.

"There are so many amazing places in the world - you really have to try something new."

And, lucky for Matt, his friend is a mechanic, although not even Richard will be of much use as they negotiate uncharted minefields in Senegal.

Richard said: "I heard about the rally a while ago and always wanted to do it. I asked friends and Matt was the only who wanted to take part. It will be great fun."