THE Lord Mayor of Birmingham has backed an intrepid charity worker who is driving 4,000 miles to raise funds for needy children.

Coun Randal Brew has offered his support to Weoley Castle campaigner Bob Powell who was setting off to Gambia by car today.

Bob, aged 60, has given educational equipment and medical supplies to people in the West African country for more than a decade but he now hopes to raise £5,000 to set up an educational scholarship.

Coun Brew waved him off on his travels.

He said: "I would like to wish Bob every success with his 4,000-mile trek to the Gambia.

"I hope that the journey will not be too hazardous and that he will arrive safely in Banjul.

"Bob is a local hero but this journey will surely elevate him to the ranks of international hero."

Bob launched the Bob Powell Gambia Schools and Health Project to provide medical supplies, ambulances, computers and school equipment for the West African country.

His work earned him the accolade of a Birmingham Mail Local Hero in 2005. He and his team of drivers were setting off from the city's Council House for a ten-day trip through France, Gibraltar, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.

Once they arrive in the Gambia they will present medical equipment and educational supplies to youngsters in the country.