Mini Cooper owners raised nearly £150,000 for charity during a rally named after a cult film starring Michael Caine.

More than 90 enthusiasts took part in this year's ten-day Italian Job run from Imola to Brighton.

Among them was Mike Cooper, whose father John designed the original car and who led the drivers on the 900-mile trip.

The rally takes in many of the sights made famous in the 1969 film.

The drivers were given a police escort for the final stage from Sayers Common to Brighton on Saturday. Among them was Terry Johnston, guitarist with the band Mama Mia, and his Russian model girlfriend Svetlana Pavlova.

Mr Johnston, from Worthing, said: "It was a fantastic event which raised a lot of money for the children's charity NCH.

"One of the highlights was being allowed to drive on the Ferrari test track at Imola."

The Italian Job rally organised by Freddie and Emilia St George, from Hove, has raised more than £2million since the first run 16 years ago.