TWO Islanders conquered a 2,000 mile drive through eight countries ­— raising money for the Global Rock Challenge club.

Shirley Carrol, learning assistant at The Bay CE Primary School, and her partner, Terry, who works at Neutrik, took on the James Bond Swiss Run earlier this month.

"I run the Global Rock Challenge club and our school has been entering the competition for the last eight years," said Shirley.

"Taking part is an expensive business. Some Island schools charge as much as £65 per child to take part.

"That's not something we would be prepared to do at our school as the expense would exclude many children.

"The club is not funded by the school, so the children, volunteer staff and parents work exceptionally hard to raise the money we need to take part."

From Sandown, the pair travelled to Ryde, boarded a boat to the mainland and headed to Kent for a night's camping.

On the Friday, they crossed the channel via a ferry to Calais, and then proceeded to drive for around nine hours to reach Geneva.

On Saturday, they burnt their way across Europe, heading through Switzerland and cruising their way into Italy.

On Sunday, the pair reached Neutrik's head office in Liechtenstein, and enjoyed a welcoming barbecue.

Crossing into Austria, the pair carried on their circular route into Germany and spent their last night in the Black Forest.

On the last day, they completed another enervating drive through Luxembourg and Belgium, before returning to Calais.

"It was both epic and gruelling," said Shirley.

"We drove through some incredible places. Switzerland was absolutely stunning ­— driving right through the middle of the Alps.

"The driving was very hard ­— up to nine hours a day, and Terry did the bulk of the driving ­— he was on a sort of mission.

"We got to go up Piz Gloria, and went through Furka Pass ­— it was all James Bond themed."

With counting still to do, the pair expect to hit their target, raising more than £2,000.

"We offered a space on the car to local businesses wanting to sponsor us and we had window stickers to advertise their business as we drove through Europe," said Shirley.

"The people of Sandown, our community, very kindly supported our children by sponsoring this event.

"Their generosity was overwhelming, I feel lucky to be part of such a caring community, so thanks to them."