By John Corness

THREE young Teme Valley men returned home last week after finishing a very creditable fifth in the annual Staples to Naples Rally.

Daniel Portsmouth, from Hanley; Shelby Alexander, from Hanley Broadheath, and Ollie Tyler, from Eastham, returned on Saturday after nine memorable days in which they tackled as many of the challenges as possible.

"We drove in six countries in one day, through all of the Swiss mountain passes, stopped at every petrol station on a 650km route through Italy, and are happy that we finished fifth," they said this week.

"More than 75 cars took part, some (the Americans) taking it more seriously than others.

"The winning team were lads from Los Angeles who, despite picking up a 600-dollar speeding fine, still gave their winners' cheque to charity.

"It made us feel a bit guilty about putting bananas up their exhaust pipes.

"We can, however, salvage some national pride from the fact that we beat both of the teams from Germany."

The teams had to drive from Calais to Naples in a car that cost them less than £100, in the Tenbury team's case a 20-year-old Audi 80, completing various tasks and challenges en route.

They were supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief, and say companies and local people were very generous and they will announce the final sum raised soon. "We on target for the £1,000 target we set ourselves," they said this week.

The race actually started from Staples Corner, in north-west London, but the cars came under starter's orders proper in Calais.

"We met some great people on the journey," said the lads.

"Most of them were raising money for charities, and it was special for us to feel part of such an event."