TOO often these days you see massive 4x4 motors cruising round the streets of Times Territory serving no other purpose than to look good – the so-called Chelsea Tractor brigade.

Well today (Friday) a Hatfield estate agent is putting his newly-bought Land Rover Defender to good use as he takes part in an endurance test which features on and off-road missions, as well as having to use navigational, orienteering and observation skills.

The Macmillan 4 x 4 UK Challenge, which finishes Sunday, is described as a “weekend of fun covering between 400 and 1,000 miles”.

It is designed to test enthusiasts, which include Michael Marsh from Goffs Oak and his brother Andrew.

The pair are taking part to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer, in memory of their mum Maureen, who died last year.

Michael, who works for Raine and Co in Hatfield, said: “We wanted to do something for the charity. We looked at sponsored walks and other things, but felt this was right for us.

“I had it in my mind to get myself a toy, so I got the Land Rover, and it’s perfect for the challenge as well.”

The father-of-two, who lived in Hatfield for more than 20 years, said he has already been out testing the Defender on a regular basis.

“It goes everywhere,” he said. “When it was snowing we took it to the hills and was messing around in it.

“Nothing has beaten us yet,” added Michael, who is hoping to raise �2,000.

Since the event started in 2002, more than �500,000 has been fundraised by the annual challenge which involves sleeping in the vehicle or a tent overnight.