A motoring quartet led by a Financial Planner has managed to break a world record by driving through 18 European countries in just 24 hours.
The four strong team assembled by Phil Billingham CFP^CM achieved the feat with just 28 minutes to spare yesterday morning at 7.32am.
The challenge has raised at least £10,000 for three charities, with donations still coming in.
Mr Billingham said: "At the moment it seems a bit surreal and we're all shattered.
"It was so intense and full on, we've just been starting to share some of the experiences of the journey.
"Reaching the end, it was a slight feeling of disbelief and we took many photos with lots of smiles and then we had a celebratory coffee."
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Before setting out he only rated the chances at 50/50 but they had meticulously prepared to give them the best chance possible.
He said: "It was a mixture of planning and a lot of luck to be completely truthful, there was a time we really didn't think we'd make it.
"The roads just opened up in front of us and from thinking we're going to miss it we made it and it changed in the space of three hours in the early hours of the morning."
A tracker device and lots of photo and video will be used to get the record certified.
The team also comprising Shannon Currie, Duncan Mackenzie and Gerry Mulligan, completed their challenge in a Vauxhall Insignia diesel estate family class. Mr Billingham said it performed 'magnificently'.
Austria and Switzerland were the toughest parts of the journey – with lots of tunnels, speed controls, holiday traffic and road works they lost a lot of time.
One of the highlights was the excited reaction of the Serbian border guard staff "in the middle of nowhere".
The team handed over a translated note to explain their record attempt and Mr Billingham said: "they were brilliant, they reacted fantastically and gave their complete support."
He said: "It was lovely to get that kind of reaction from people who could've slowed us down."
Driving into Slovenia into the Alps at the time of the setting sun was another high point because it was "just stunning, amazing scenery", he added.
Although this is the first world record he will hold Mr Billingham achieved another unusual feat 17 years ago when he won an insurance industry Mastermind competition answering questions on his specialist subject of pensions. Magnus Magnusson hosted the final.

The challenge raised funds for the below charities and donations can be added HERE.
The Stroke Association in Wales – helping Stroke survivors in Wales
Tom Bowdidge Foundation – in memory of a young man taken far too soon by cancer
The Elsie Normington Foundation, providing care and support in Inverness for those with learning difficulties