THE DATE for this year's annual Devon Ladies Driving Challenge has been set for Sunday, October 3, again at the Westpoint Centre, Exeter.

The challenge is held to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Drivers taking part will have the chance to get behind the driving wheel of some of the biggest vehicles on the road, including fire engines, police cars, tractors, JCBs and HGVs.

Now is the time for ladies to show men how well you can drive and also have an enjoyable day out in good company, in addition to raising funds for a very worthwhile charity.

All the money raised will support the Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses in Devon and help to provide care for terminally ill cancer patients and their families, completely free of charge.

Devon fundraiser for Marie Curie, Natalie Searle, told the Courier: "The ladies' driving challenge is a fantastic day out.

"All we ask," she said, "is that each driver raises a minimum of £100 each and there is a registration fee of £10 per entrant."

Two local ladies who will be taking part are Bev Dendle (52) and her friend Pauline Saunders (50).

Both recently visited Crediton Fire Station to try out one of the town's two fire engines.

They were joined by Bev's husband Dick and their daughter, Becky Harper, along with fire crew manager, Sean Cooke and Michelle Mahdon from Marie Curie.

Bev said: "I'm really looking forward to the challenge. It's a great opportunity to have some fun, learn something new and raise some money for charity – feel-good factor overload! Plus you can boast to your 'other half' that you've driven something bigger than they are ever likely to."

To date 200 ladies have booked a place on the challenge. Those who would like to take part will need a driving licence and be over 18-years-old.

For further information please telephone Natalie on 01884 703535 or email [email protected]">[email protected] or visit http://www.marie">www.marie curie.org.uk/events .

Alan Quick