A PRESTATYN car enthusiast is offering the perfect getaway to the stress of PTSD and depression - in the shape of a "completely gutted" Ford Fiesta.

Johnny McGowan, 48, is urging people to come forward and join his new, two strong group Customisation to Battle Depression (C2BD) and learn new skills while putting the car back on the road.

The car, which was donated by Will Davies - known in Prestatyn as 'The Drone Guy' - had been sitting in his garden for 12 months, with plans to sell the vehicle and donate the money to charity Change Step/CAIS once the extensive repairs are complete.

Father of four Mr McGowan, who was diagnosed with PTSD and depression 11 years ago, said: "For me, the best reason to join us is for the pure escapism, taking your mind off things while also getting into the habit of problem solving.

"The car is completely gutted, so there's enough there for ta perfect getway for alot of people suffering with a variety of conditions, or even people that just want to make friends and work on a project for a good cause.

"Since I was diagnosed, it's taken me years to fully understand my condition. The key thing is to declutter the mind and find something to help you get away from it all.

"What I hope for now is for people to come along, even if they aren't particularly interested in mechanics and just have a chat and brew while we get to work."

No stranger to fundraising, Mr McGowan has ran five London Marathons over the years - including his most recent in 2015, where he took on the challenge just 26 days after receiving surgery for cancer while dressed as a car.

However, while Mr McGowan has been a keen amateur mechanic for more than 30 years, he is relying on support from Prestatyn based car firm CP MOTORS to guide the group on some of the more complex tasks, and has expanded his tool kit with donations from St Asaph MOT Centre.

Mr McGowan said: "I understand it's hard with mental health issues for people to want to come forward.

"But even thought I have experience with mechanics, I'm learning and relearning new things all the time - so there's no need to feel intimated. Next week I'll be welding again for the first time in 30 years, and when it comes to engines, i just about know where to put the oil in. So this is very much a chance to learn for all of us."

The car is currently based at Mr McGowan's home on Fford Idwal. For more information, visit the C2BD's Facebook page.