A custom-made Thomas the Tank Engine car which took part in a cross-Europe rally has been auctioned off to raise an extra £3,000 for charity.
A group of Peterhead friends dubbed the Bloo Toon Loons built the machine for the annual Benidorm Banger challenge to raise funds for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland.
They were inspired by team member James Ritchie’s two-year-old son, also called James, who loves the children’s character and suffers from the condition.
The team has already raised around £10,000 in sponsorship for their journey and have now sold the car via online auction site Ebay to a Moray-based car company.
Michael Burnett Cars bid £2,950 for the machine.
James’s mum Emma Bruce said: “Well done to the new owner of Thomas, who won the bid in the last minutes. Looks like Thomas is heading in the direction of Moray.
“The Bloo Toon Loons hope that they have as much fun, enjoyment and success as we did. That’s £2,950 towards our running total.”
New owner Michael Burnett added: “I am delighted to announce that we have been able to contribute to such a brilliant cause. We will have Thomas back to Fochabers within the next week or so.”
All proceeds from the sale will go to SBH Scotland. A spokeswoman for the charity said the organisation was “in awe” of the efforts to build the car and journey to Spain.
