THE boss of a Parley fence company has left UK shores to take part in a gruelling rally across the Sahara in North Africa.

Steve Randall and co-driver Colin Bale are among more than 300 participants in the 4,000 kilometre Tuareg Rally.

More than 200 motorcycles and 50 cars are competing in the event which runs for eight days and includes the highest dunes in Morocco as well as the Atlas Mountains.

It began in the Port of Almeria on Sunday March 14 and ends in Mojacar, Spain, on Monday March 22.

Steve, who is Managing Director of The Fencing Centre at Parley, and Colin, of Little Canford Garage, are driving a Toyota Hilux pick-up truck.

“It’s the second time I’ve taken part in the rally which is, by any standards, a challenging but very exciting event,” said Steve, who lives at St Leonards.

•    Also taking part in the rally is Paul Green, of Verwood-based Environmental Drain Services, and his daughter, Mary, driving a Landrover Defender 90.