Shropshire Star

Wheel meet again for Shropshire town's annual wheelbarrow race

Organisers of a charity wheelbarrow race are urging would-be entrants to get their entry forms in as soon as possible.

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Sue Holliday and Jon Edge are pictured at freezing cold Wem, warming up for the town's charity wheelbarrow race on Sunday

This year's Wem Wheelbarrow Race will see hopefully about 20 crazy creations take to the streets of the north Shropshire town in a race which doubles up as a crawl around six pubs.

"We have only had seven confirmed so far," said nervous committee member Sue Holliday. "We have had 20 forms go out so I would ask people to get the forms back."

This year's race will be from midday on Sunday and take the barrowers around a 1.5mile circuit of the town, taking in half a dozen town inns where the competitors have to have one drink in each.

"The winners last year did it in 22 minutes," said Sue. "Others take a little bit more time! It gives a boost to the pubs and to charity - this year's chosen cause is the North Salop Wheelers community transport."

Sue Holliday and Jon Edge

Sue and fellow committee member Jon Edge were gearing up for the race for a Shropshire Star photographer on Monday - and their warm costumes could be just the trick given Sunday's weather forecast.

"We're looking forward to it and hoping that people aren't put off by the forecast," said Sue.

Teams of two have to pay £5 for adults and £3 for children to enter, and there will also be a prize draw to increase the funds. Local businesses have also made donations for prizes.

Forms can be collected from and returned to the Fruitful Deli, in High Street, Wem. They must be back with the organisers by 12pm noon on Saturday to be ready for the big race to start at midday on Sunday from the Edinburgh House car park.

Competitors will be gathering from 11.45am with their decorated wheelbarrows and in costumes for registration in readiness for the off at midday.

Sue is also hoping for the usual big turnout from townsfolk to cheers on the racers.