A very hot and sunny Hanway Common saw 27 Soap Boxes compete in the 15th annual Richards Castle Soap Box Derby.

The 550 metre course which has a vertical drop of 50m saw some spectacular soap box racing, with the top five adult teams completing the course within two seconds of each other, with reining champion “C12” taking the top spot in a time of 39.599 seconds and hitting speeds of 40 mph.

This charity event also attracts fun and novelty carts and this year there was a great display of creative engineering including an aeroplane, tank, windbreakers and Batman and Robin Ride again.

Unfortunately, Batman and Robin only managed a practice run and didn’t ride again due to a collision with the straw bales on the finish bend!

There was a display of entertainment including the local fire service, Ludlow Motor Club, lawn mower racing, vintage tractors and Ludlow Autograss club.

The event also had a wide range of food and drink stands, plus representatives from the three charities who were being supported this year – ECHO, The Cart Shed and Working Together.

“I would like to pass on my tremendous thanks to everyone who supported this years’ Soap Box Derby,” said Humphrey Salwey, chairman of the organisers.

“The whole day was a great success with no injuries, no sun stroke and a large number of satisfied punters and it looks like we have raised a good amount of cash for the charities, which is what it’s all about.”

“It was, as always is a great day. Every run down that hill puts a smile on a face. Cheers all involved and roll on next year commented” Bob Sumner who took part in the Soap Box Derby.

The Soap Box Derby is designed as a family day out and attracts competitors and visitors from all over the country.