Power cut nearly derailed Richards Castle Soap Box Derby before National Grid stepped in
Fallen electricity cable left organisers fearing they would have to cancel the Richards Castle Soap Box Derby just an hour before it was due to start – before engineers saved the day
A charity soap box derby in south Shropshire came within an hour of being cancelled after a fallen electricity cable blocked the race course just before the event was due to begin.
Organisers of the Richards Castle Soap Box Derby feared the annual event would have to be called off after a loud bang from a nearby electricity transformer at around 8am brought down a live power line across the 500-metre course, cutting electricity to the village.
With the gates due to open an hour later, organisers called in National Grid engineers, who restored power and made the damaged cable safe in time for racing to begin as planned.
David Wilkes, chairman of the Soap Box Derby committee, said: "When the power line came down we genuinely thought we'd have to cancel.
"Thanks to the fantastic response from National Grid, we were able to get the event underway on time. Seeing so many people enjoying the day made all the hard work worthwhile."
Thirty-three teams took to the course, entertaining thousands of spectators with a colourful mix of speed, skill and imagination.
Among the eye-catching entries were a giant duck trailing blue smoke, a bath complete with shower and bubbles, and a host of homemade soap boxes.
Organisers are still counting the total amount raised but say they are hopeful of making a record donation to this year's chosen charities after strong gate receipts, increased sponsorship, record sales in the tea tent and raffle, and an impressive £2,600 raised by team PT Moore alone.
This year's charities are Cleobury Mortimer Community Hub, LOOK – Supporting Visually Impaired Young People to Thrive, and Brimfield and Little Hereford Sports Club.
Returning champions Aerostream, driven by Jacob Kettle, recorded the fastest run of the day, completing the course in 44.385 seconds.
Other award winners included Donald the Game Duck, which won the Best Food and Drink-Themed Soap Box award, Bale Out for Most Innovative Design and Savage Special 12, named Best Turned Out Team.
The Evans family also enjoyed success after Rob Evans and his son Callum finished first in the Fastest Mixed Team category with The Rag & Cone Man, while daughter drove Space Raiders.
Mr Evans said: "It really is a great family day out. My son and I co-drove The Rag & Cone Man while my daughter drove Space Raiders. It was both the kids' first Soap Box Derby and they were absolutely thrilled to make it onto the podium."
Organisers thanked National Grid, volunteers, sponsors, competitors and the thousands of spectators whose support helped ensure another successful day of fundraising and family entertainment.