A GROUP of Dursley friends have spent hundreds of hours and a vast sum of money to transform an old funeral hearse into an 80s movie icon – all in the name of charity.

The creative gang of Aaron Ind, Pete Gregus, Dave Ind, Jason Gregus and Simon Slater have used most weekends this year to convert the car into the famous Ghostbusters ambulance from the blockbuster.

They hope their hard work will pay off when they take the ghost-hunting vehicle to various events in the coming months to help raise money for their individual charities.

The car will then be put through its paces in July when the crew complete in their own Ghostbuster costumes will take part in the Rusty Rex Banger Rally, a 1,400 mile driving trek around Europe starting in Reimes in France.

The idea was hatched when 35-year-old Aaron Ind, from Sharpness, saw the rally advertised and had his friends and family on board.

“Then we saw funeral director Clutterbucks’ funeral hearse for sale in Cam and we did a bit of a deal when we told him what we were using it for,” he said.

“It was a bit daunting at first but we’re very happy on how it has come out. We have put a lot of hard work into this.

“Everyone is geared up and looking forward to it.”

He added that the cost of buying the car, renovating it and entering the rally it has cost them £4,000 but is confident they can raise a significant amount of money for their chosen charities.

For his part, Aaron is raising money for Meningitis Now after his daughter Ruby, 6, contracted the disease when she was six-months-old.

The other charities they are raising money for are Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal for Bristol Children’s Hospital, Help for Heroes and the Breakheart Quarry Community Project.

The group are also looking for businesses who would like to sponsor the vehicle when it takes part in public events.

You can get in touch with the group by visiting Facebook page Glorious Ghostbusters or emailing aaronind@hotmail.co.uk or by calling 01453 511312.