Very Long Taxi Ride

Three pals travel from London to Sydney... in a black cab Men aim to drive 32,000 miles through 39 countries - currently in India Fare would be £70,000 for a customer Charity adventure nearly ended by secret police in Iran By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 8:57 AM on 24th August 2011 A passenger in this taxi would be watching the meter with gritted teeth. Three friends are driving 32,000 miles half-way round the world from London to Sydney - in a black cab. Paul Archer, Leigh Purnell, both 23, and Johno Ellison, 27, have so far clocked up more than 17,000 miles since they set off from the capital on February 17. The mammoth journey has seen them drive through herds of sheep in Armenia and get stuck in a snow-covered ditch in Finland. Last minute adjustments: A mechanic prepares the 19-year-old classic black cab for its 32,000 mile journey from London to Sydney Laid back: Hannah the black cab is pictured at the at Arc de Triumph in France, and, in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy Cool repetition: The group has to dig snow out after the taxi gets stuck in a snowdrift in the Arctic Circle, Finland The three pals even evaded capture by the Taliban in Afghanistan and were quizzed by secret in Iran. But the friends were hoping that they had as much luck as they prepared to enter strict Communist state China where they expected to encounter difficulties using the internet. So far on their route they have passed through Paris, Finland, Georgia,  Italy, Turkey and India.   They have around 12,000 more miles to go which will include passing through Thailand, Indonesia and large parts of Australia before they reach Sydney. Communist: The lads look out from their taxi as it takes a break in front of St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow The black cab of the family: The taxi gets stuck in a jam surrounded by sheep in the remote Armenian hills Hitting the open road: Hanna parks up on a grass verge at the side of the Georgian Military Highway Flying high: Early morning balloons soar behind Paul Archer, Leigh Purnell, both 23, and Johno Ellison, 27, as they reach Cappadocia, Turkey If the meter was turned on, the bill when a passenger reached the Australian city would be a staggering £70,000. The three explorers from Aston University are hoping to set a new record for the longest taxi trip and raise £20,000 for the Red Cross. Mr Ellison said that their specially adapted black cab, nicknamed Hannah, was strong and they were expecting to reach Sydney in one piece. Arab state: The group share tea with Iraqi border guards as they reach the Middle East in their taxi, which by now has become slightly dusty Mission: Hannah passes through a gate of an ancient fort in Iran where they encountered the country's secret police Checkpoint: Around half-way through the 32,000 mile trip, the group of fundraisers reach the Pakistan border in their taxi An unexpected passenger: Paul Archer shares the cab with a bearded man in a turban in India Making friends: The three adventurers drivers share a memorable moment with Indian children close to the Taj Mahal ( They are currently in India )