Entries start rolling in as soap box derby near Ludlow gets into gear for wacky races

Richards Castle Soap Box Derby, which sees home-made carts of all shapes and sizes sent hurtling down Hanway Common in the small village near Ludlow, broke its own fundraising records in 2015.

Now details have been announced of this year's competition, which takes place on July 3.

The annual event, now in its 13th year, saw a record 30 carts racing and raised a best-ever £10,000 for a range of good causes last year.

Now three local charitable organisations have been announced as this year's nominated charities to benefit from the derby this summer.

Dreamcatcher, a Shropshire-based charity giving memorable experiences to children suffering from life-threatening and chronic illnesses, will be one of those to receive money from the event, along with Orleton Youth Club and Close House youth centre in Hereford.

Humphrey Salwey, chairman of the soap box derby committee, said: "These charities have true merit and we as a committee are extremely pleased to be raising money for them."

He added: "We look forward to another successful event in 2016 following our motto of locally raised money going to local good causes."

Since the first cart rolled down the hill in 2004, £80,000 has been raised by the annual derby.

Last year the event's three main charities were Ewe and You Care Farm, based at Nash, South Shropshire Home Start, which supports families with children under five, and Hope Support, which is a charity which operates across the border throughout Herefordshire supporting young people aged 11 years or older.

However, some of the money raised also goes to a range of other causes each year, such as Richards Castle Village Hall, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ludlow Air Cadets, Richards Castle Women's Institute and Richards Castle Church, which all benefited in 2015.

In previous years cart teams have come from all over the country to take part in the event, which sees the engine-less vehicles sent down a 550-metre course, and has featured carts made up to look like everything from Daleks to the Flintstones' family car.

Committee member Kate Pearce said: "We've opened entries for this year's derby, so if you fancy building a cart take a look at our website for a race pack and an entry form."

She added: "We've already received our first entry."

The soap box derby is organised by a team of local volunteers, with a full programme of racing and other entertainment on the day.

For further information visit www.richardscastlesoapbox.co.uk