A CRAZY convoy from Oxfordshire to the coast of France, jam-packed with fun and frolics, raised a phenomenal amount for charity.

One hundred movie-themed cars returned to the county on Monday after heading to Witney’s twin town of Le Touquet for the Twin Town Challenge 2018.

Oxford Mail:

Some of the leading figures of Oxfordshire’s business world took on the event which also involved an array of kooky challenges en route and raised funds for West Oxfordshire disability charity SpecialEffect.

Teams dressed as film characters left Blenheim Palace on Friday morning.

They arrived in Le Touquet that evening and celebrated with people in the town including mayor Lilyane Lussignol.

The next couple of days were then dedicated to exploring the area and competing in a range of wacky challenges.

On Saturday, groups tried their hands at 'car pool karaoke', shot their own films while driving in and around Le Touquet and tried to track down 10 unusual items in Twin Town’s very own version of TV show 'Car Booty'.

Sunday saw more challenges and concluded with a massive street party in Le Touquet.

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Organiser Brendon Cross said: “The event was a roaring success. Everybody out there had a whale of a time and the feedback has been so positive.

“Whatever Twin Town does – and it raises a lot of money for charity – it puts a smile on people’s faces.”

Mr Cross, managing director of Witney firm STL Communications, said his highlights included the street party and seeing teams produce their own Wayne’s World-style version of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Andrew Hammond, chief executive of Oxford Products and former businessperson of the year, said: “There was such an awesome group of people taking part. There was smiles and laughter everywhere.”

Steve Neil of Shaw Gibbs, which entered a car into the event and provided sponsorship, added: “What thrills me about the Twin Town event is the inclusivity.

“Everybody feels like they’re part of an amazing cause – SpecialEffect – and that inclusivity is precisely what SpecialEffect offers to people of any age who might otherwise feel they are unable to enjoy gaming with their mates or even change TV channel by themselves.”

SpecialEffect, which is based in Charlbury, adapts video game technology for people with disabilities to use as therapy and rehabilitation.

Oxford Mail:

© Barry Clack photography

Charity founder Dr Mick Donegan explained what it is that makes the charity – and the Twin Town event – so special.

He said: “Since SpecialEffect was founded in 2007, we’ve been doing our best to meet the ever-increasing demand to help severely disabled people with our life-changing technological solutions.

“There can be no doubt that the events of 2014 and 2016 had a transformational effect on the charity.

“The Twin Town community is unique and very precious to SpecialEffect. The atmosphere, goodwill and camaraderie within the community are like nothing I’ve ever experienced throughout my long career.“

Oxford Mail:

This year's Twin Town has already smashed its fundraising target of £350,000 and organisers are now hoping they might reach half a million.

The final figure will be revealed at ‘Le Grand Ball’ at Heythrop Park on September 7. Tickets are still available: email support@twintown.org.uk