Rover 25 - Problem Starting?

Hi, Wonder if you could help.



My husband has a rover 25 51 reg which is having trouble starting.



1. He tries to start it and it makes a loud rapping noise but won't start.

2. We charge it on the car until it shows fully charged and the car works fine for a few days.

3. He only makes short trips to and from work lasting a maximum of 10 mins each stretch each day.

4. After a few days, the battery is dead again and needs charging.



Does this sound like we need to get a new battery as the old one wont keep its charge? Or does it sound like an alternator problem.



Any info would be much appreciated guys. Many thanks in advance.