The couple drove 6,000 miles in 19 days

Jim and Dot Jones, from mid Wales, are now trying to raise the profile of one of the world's most gruelling sporting events, the Dakar rally across the deserts of north Africa, by writing a book about their experiences.

Mrs and Mrs Jones, from Moelfre, 12 miles from Oswestry, have been racing for more than 40 years and this year were given the opportunity of driving a press car for one of the teams competing in the event.

The couple drove on average for 14 hours a day, setting off at 5am each day and finishing at 2am the next morning.

It was my 64th birthday and the Libyans gave me fresh bread, jam and oranges and serenaded me by singing happy birthday Dot Jones

The upshot is The Challenge of the Desert, which recounts the rally's people, places and vehicles.

It also tries to stimulate interest in the event, which Mrs Jones believes has been woefully under-exposed.

"The Dakar rally was always a French-dominated event until John Deacon won a stage about three years ago," said Mr Jones.

Big trucks

"Unfortunately he died in Syria two years ago and this book is a tribute to John as well as continuing his work in trying to get more British people involved in the Dakar rally."

Armed with cameras and notebooks, the couple set off on on their gruelling journey on 1 January from Marseille.

After driving through Spain, the rally passed through Tunisia, Libya's western desert, the Red Sea and ended at the Sinai peninsula at Sharm-el-sheikh.

Dakar competitors use a wide variety of vehicles, from the most highly-developed rally cars to big trucks, motorcycles and even a Renault 4.

"The Dakar rally is one of the last great motoring adventures anyone can take part in," said Mr Jones.

The race went through the Libyan desert

"Its appeal is that it demands the utmost from competitors and their vehicles, while constantly amazing drivers and riders with the sights it throws at them."

"The highlight for me was when we stopped at a petrol station in southern Libya," said Mrs Jones,

"It was my 64th birthday and the Libyans gave me fresh bread, jam and oranges and serenaded me by singing happy birthday.

"The whole race was a fantastic experience and it is the only race where normal people can compete against world champions such as Ari Vatanen."

The couple plan to take part in next year's Dakar rally by filming a documentary of their experiences.

Their book is published by Dinefwr Publishing of Llandybie, Carmarthenshire.