FORMER Altrincham Grammar School Boy, Alex Bescoby, co-founder of award-winning Film Company, Grammar Productions, set off on a journey from Singapore to London in a ancient Land Rover on Sunday.

He was joined by Tim Slessor , 87. who, along with five others, drove the 1955 Oxford Land Rover Series from London to Singapore, 64 years ago.

Their original journey, called the First Overland, was part of the Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedtion. They journeyed through Eastern Europe, across the Bosphorus, through the Middle East and India and then through Burma.

Alex said: “We are going to China this time. It will be tough driving through the highest roads in the world and through deserts and jungle.

Tim’s grandson, Nat George, will be on board.

The journey, featured in the Messenger earlier in the year, is called The Last Overland. It will last 100 days and will travel 10,000 miles.

The team got off to a cracking start when they were escorted by other Land Rovers driven by enthusiasts of automotive history and adventure.

“This is the most exciting thing I have ever done,” said Alex.

The team are now in Malaysia where, unfortunately, Tim, has been taken ill.

Alex said: “But our minds are still on Singapore, after a cruel twist of fate yesterday kept one of our team behind. Our talisman - Tim Slessor - is recovering in hospital after being taken ill on the eve of the Flag Off. Sometimes life doesn’t quite go to plan, but when we asked Tim if we should wait he said “don’t you dare!” It’s that now or never spirit to the end.

His determination to see the world and take Oxford home to the UK is what brought us together. We journey on for Tim, and we’re leaving the door ajar for him to join us as soon as he’s back on his feet.”