The work of young graffiti artists from a threatened youth centre will be brightening up the roads of Europe.

The youngsters were invited to decorate three vehicles, which set off from London to Lille, in northern France on Thrusday, July 7, to take part in this year’s Wacky Rally.

Sam Elliot, 33, from Twickenham, organised the adventure as part of a stag trip with a difference for his friend Graham Coady.

He contacted youth centre Heatham House, in Whitton Road, Twickenham, to see if they would be able to help transform the cars, which to abide by the competition rules cannot cost more than £300.

Mr Elliot said: “It turns out the cars came at a good time as a local project that had been planned with the kids had just been pulled.”

The rally will see hundreds of cars driven through European spots, including Thun in Switzerland, the Alps and Monte Carlo, before finishing in Barcelona.

Prize money is awarded to the best cars and Mr Elliot has generously offered to donate the cash to Heatham House if any of his group wins.

Richmond Council has proposed turning Heatham House into a hotel and transferring the youth facilities on offer to a new site as part of plans to transform Twickenham.

To comment on the proposal fill out a questionnaire at richmond.gov.uk.