Fierce contest for Richards Castle Soapbox Derby
It is a hotly-contested event, and one which competitors take very seriously indeed. It is the time when Wacky Races comes to Shropshire.
The annual Richards Castle Soapbox Derby, which attracts more than 30 carts, took place yesterday.
The event, which has been running for 11 years, raises thousands of pounds for charity and brings the community together.
From Daleks to helicopters, carriages and even one towing a caravan, the cars - which have been dubbed the most fun you can have on four wheels without an engine - hurtle down a 550-metre-long course on Hanway Common, in Bishop's Castle. And yesterday was no exception.
The carts can reach top speeds of 40mph and changes to the course have been introduced to make it more technically challenging.
Kate Pearce, committee member and spokesperson for the event, said: "The Soapbox Derby is a brilliant event and one which the whole community enjoys and benefits from.
"Over the years we have raised £60,000 for local charities and this year we have chosen to give any money raised to charities for carers.
"Everyone enters in to the spirit of the derby. It is a great laugh and people spend weeks making their carts.
"This year we have 35 carts entered for the race and there are different categories, from best novelty cart to fastest time. The fastest we have ever had someone down the course is 40 seconds but we have had a few come close and then crash on the last bend, just before the finishing line."
As well as watching the qualifying races, visitors to the event were entertained by local musicians while enjoying cakes and scones provided by the local WI.
