IN scenes sure to evoke memories of Britain's favourite sitcom – a Yeovil man is preparing to drive a three-wheel van to raise money for charity.

But while Rodney only had to make it to Hull in his Reliant Robin in that famous Christmas special of Only Fools and Horses, Mike Lock of Meadow Road, is attempting to drive his more than 4,000 miles in a daring trip through the Arctic Circle.

Mike will leave London's Hyde Park in his Reliant Rialto in April to embark on the "Snowdodgers Rally" to Moldova, officially the poorest country in Europe and sandwiched between the Ukraine and Romania.

The 27 year old, who is looking for sponsorship, said he was relishing the challenge.

He said: "I am very excited and it will be one hell of a challenge. It will be an interesting drive in a three wheeler. It is a simple car and any problems will hopefully be easy to fix. I cannot wait to see the Arctic Circle and the Northern Lights. Although I am a little worried about Russia it is all part of the adventure and I cannot wait for it."

Mr Lock, who works as an environmental consultant, was coaxed into taking part by his friend Jonathon Farley, originally from Yeovil, who was one of a trio that made up the Team Sanddodgers in 2007. The explorers took part in the Plymouth-Banjul Rally – an annual fund-raising rally from the UK to The Gambia which raised more than £18,000 for international charity Tearfund and national cancer support charity McMillan. They did so by nursing a 30-year-old car through the 4,000-mile route, crossing sea, land and sand.

That particular journey attracted extensive interest and the team felt it was time for a new challenge so is heading for the snow.

Mr Lock is part of a team called Hog Lumps, and has a team of local helpers. In all there will be up to 20 cars taking part in the rally.

He has so far only driven the vehicle back to Yeovil from the place he bought it.

He said: "It's bad enough dodging pot holes with effectively two wheels, we have to dodge pot holes with the middle wheel as well.

"At least all the boarder guards will be laughing at it so much we'll probably just get waved through.

"This is my first rear wheel drive car so I'm looking forward to power sliding this baby around the sharp mountain roads and looking at the Northern Lights through our sunroof while we try and catch some shut eye."

It is hoped to raise around one million lieus, which is the equivelent of £47,500 for two charities working to improve the lives of many of the poorest Moldovan people.

TO sponsor Mike or support the rally, call 07818037480.