Teams from the island are to relive the 1969 film, the Italian Job.

Mary and Ian Sims (Team 9), Pete Rothwell and John Tarrant (Team 10), and father and son Richard and Charlie Henthorn (Team 12), who are all from the Isle of Man, will drive three classic Minis from Douglas to Imola in northern Italy, where they will meet up with other fellow ’Jobbers’ from all corners of the globe to take part in a children’s charity fundraising navigational rally.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of this event, 50 years since the original Italian Job film and 60 years since the launch of the classic Mini back in 1959.

The Italian Job film, starring Michael Caine, ’stars’ three Minis.

Over the last 29 years, the organisers have raised more than £2.5m for children’s charities.

For 2019, the charity is Buttle UK, an organisation committed to helping and supporting vulnerable children and young people in poverty.

The organisers are making sure that all funds raised for them by Isle of Man teams will come back to the island.

Participant Ian Sims said: ’Each team funds their own expenses. All money donated, raised from supporters, and the proceeds of the advertising space on the Minis, will be for the benefit of the charity, meaning 100% will aid vulnerable and underprivileged children and young adults in the Isle of Man.

’To take part each team commits to raise a minimum of £1,500 for the charity. From previous rallies in 2007, 2009 and 2013 we have raised more than £13,000 so we once again hope to achieve a total that can really help make a difference.’

The Italian Job 2019 anniversary run will take place over 13 days from October 20 to November 2.

To follow the whereabouts of Team 9 in real time throughout the challenge, head to www.italianjob.info and check out the live tracker.

The Steam Packet is giving them free transport to and from the island.