A Mini club in Suffolk has raised funds for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal by holding a point to point drive.

Wattisham Mini Club, formed in 2014 by Lance Corporal Simon Jessop, from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, and L/Cpl David Allen, previously of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, took part in the drive, supported by members of the East Coast Mini Club and Norfolk Mini Club.

The 15 minis drove from Wattisham Flying Station down to the Combined Services Museum in Maldon for a guided tour, followed by a drive to Christchurch Park in Ipswich to lay a wreath at the memorial.

The drivers were joined by the club’s sponsor, Cooper Ipswich, which provided a Mini Cooper for the event.

L/Cpl Jessop said: “It is amazing how much attention 15 minis receive from both adults and children who all gave us a wave as they drove past. An hour later the 45-mile trip from Wattisham to Essex was over and we were at the museum.

“As soon as we arrived we were given a very friendly welcome by the museum staff who were very interested at having a look at all of the cars.

“We then moved into the museum where we were immediately taken to the conference room where the owner of the museum had kindly laid on food and refreshments for all who attended the day.

“We were all given a brief overview of the museum and its displays. A few of us then set up the collection table while the rest were shown around the museum more in depth and were also given the opportunity to dress up in period costume.”

He added that everyone was also given the chance to have their mini photographed alongside a challenger tank.

The vehicles then drove to Christchurch Park, down narrow footpaths in a convoy that was similar to scenes from The Italian Job, said Cpl Jessop.

He added: “While laying the wreath there was a very mixed range of emotions all culminating in a two- minute silence before we left the park. All in all it was an amazing day.”

The club raised £257.92 in aid of the Poppy Appeal.

L/Cpl Jessop also thanked all members who attended, as well as those who donated, and Cooper Ipswich, The Combined Services Museum, Ipswich Borough Council and Christchurch Park for making the event possible.