SCRAP merchants from Northwich are off on an epic 2000-mile European adventure in a clapped-out van rescued from the crusher.

On Wednesday, September 25, Jonathan Yoxall, who owns Northwich Metals on Ollershaw Lane, will be joined by Gavin Platt, Jordan Hargreaves, and Robert Hardy on the 2024 Screwball Rally.

The annual motoring event attracts around 50 teams from all over Europe, and takes in France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Belgium, all in five days.

The rules state it must be done in a vehicle which cost teams less than £1,000, and the Northwich team are doing it in a 2005 Volkswagen LT van which they rescued from the scrap heap.

What's more, the van set them back just £250. 

​Their adventure marks the 10th anniversary of John’s mum’s death at St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford, and so far, they've raised more than £3,000 for the charity. You can donate here. 

The Volkswagen LT van has taken nearly a year to get up to scratchThe Volkswagen LT van has taken nearly a year to get up to scratch (Image: Supplied) Jonathan said: “It’s such a great place with amazing staff, so I thought it would be poignant this year if we could raise some money for them.

“It’s for a great cause. I don’t think you can get much better than St Luke’s.

“We’ll be driving around six or seven hours each day, but the nights are spent relaxing at campsites with the rest of the teams.

“We only paid £250 for van, which was a total non-runner, but we’ve worked tirelessly over the last year to get it ready for the trip.  

“We’ve even painted it in the company colours, so we’ll be flying the flag for Northwich Metals right across Europe.”

At least there'll be plenty of room for the team's camping kitAt least there'll be plenty of room for the team's camping kit (Image: Supplied)

This isn’t Jonathan’s first Screwball Rally, and he has some very fond memories of previous events.  

He added: “I remember back in 2019 when we went tobogganing in the Black Country, joking with locals at village markets, and travelling through France’s Champagne region.”

In 2019, Jonathan was joined by his friend, Nathan Blundell, who was then raising money for brain tumour research after a long personal struggle with the condition.

Nathan was expected to join this year’s team, but sadly died on September 17.

Jonathan added: “This year’s rally will be dedicated to Nathan as well.”

Andy Bailey, St Luke’s corporate partnerships manager, said: “All the energy and craftsmanship which has gone in to restoring the van, coupled with the fact they’re sacrificing precious time away from their loved ones, shows amazing dedication to St Luke’s.

"We can’t thank Northwich Metals enough and we look forward to following their progress each day on their social channels.”