A DODGY motor and funny looks at customs could not stop a daredevil group of costumed superheroes on their charity drive through Europe.

The Sucata Superhero Squad of five friends led by David Hildrow, of Garnon Mead, Coopersale, have successfully completed their 1,200-mile journey through France, Spain, and Portugal.

As part of the annual charity car race the Sucata Run, the group set off on the European venture in a converted ambulance dressed as superheroes.

David, 29 said: “One of the funniest moments of the trip was getting to France in the first place. Five superheroes in costume trying to go abroad gets a few funny looks and getting through security at Dover was interesting.

“The run started in Rouen which is a beautiful city in northern France. We knew we were in the right location as we could see numerous other vehicles with random paintwork and huge Sucata signs splattered all over them. It’s fair to say though that our ambulance was by far the largest vehicle.”

Setting off on their intrepid journey, the group of companions soon swiftly regretted choosing a vehicle with a maximum speed of 55mph on the straight.

Heat also proved a problem on the voyage with temperatures outside reaching 38 degrees.

“It wasn’t very attractive although having an eight hour sauna every day works wonders for your complexion,” said David, who away from the superhero life works as a sales and marketing director.

“None of the other teams thought that we had a chance of making it to the finish line - we had the oldest and heaviest vehicle - but she made it and we were greeted in Portugal with massive cheers by the other teams who were amazed to see us arrive in one piece.”

As well as winning the best banger trophy for the tournament, the superhero squad's run helped raise £1,400 for charity, and David labelled the intrepid voyage the best two weeks of his life.

“Every day was an adventure, we saw some amazing sights, did some stupid things and every day we laughed until our bellies hurt,” he said.