TWO Hounslow men are to travel a third of the way around the globe in a 1,000cc Nissan Micra.

Hassan Ibrahim, 29, and Paul D'Silva, 30, of Hounslow Road, who both work for the UK Border Agency are teaming up with Ambrish Patel, of Gravesend, to take part in the 2010 Mongol Rally.

The team will travel from the UK to Mongolia, 10,000 miles in the eight-year-old car, crossing three deserts and five mountain ranges.

Mr Ibrahim, of Chertsey Road, Feltham, said: "It is something a bit different and not something you get the chance to do all the time."

They hope to raise £4,000 for four charities - the Christina Noble Children's Foundation, the Mongolian based Children and Young People's Protection and Development charity, the Mercy Corps which provides humanitarian relief and support around the world and the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death S o c i e t y (SANDS).

The trio are funding the trip from their own pockets so every penny donated will go to charity.

The race, which is without support, will take them through Europe before heading into Iran and Russia.

Mr Ibrahim added: "We don't know exactly how much it will cost yet or how long it will take.I am sure we will be held up at borders or break down in the middle of the desert, but we hope it will take about five weeks.

"It is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things."

The race starts on July 24.

Visit www.mongolrally10.theadven turists.com for more information.