BEN, the automotive charity, will kick off proceedings for its first Red Square Rally on Monday.

Entrants will meet at the charity’s Ascot HQ to meet for a detailed briefing of the proposed itinerary prior to departure on July 14.

The eight day driving challenge links two famous squares, Trafalgar Square in London to Red Square in Moscow.

BEN events manager, Kelly Neal, has spent months finalising the details of this new fundraising event which will raise sponsorship income for the charity.

Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the SMMT and president of BEN, will be joining the convey of vehicles in a Volkswagen California Camper, which is being sponsored by the Caravan Club.

BEN is the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries.

It provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year.

In addition BEN provides a home to over 350 individuals who reside in one of its four residential centres in the UK and offers day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.