DAREDEVILS will raise money for Dorothy House hospice when they take to the roads in hand made karts that will turn a village near Devizes into a scene from Wacky Races.

The Great Cheverell soapbox derby will be staged on August 26 and villagers are putting the finishing touches to the machines they hope will bring them glory on the day.

Among them is granddad Barry Gingham, 72, who was helped by his grandson Sam, 12, to create a kart that took part in the race two years ago.

This time they are putting in a few modifications that they hope will make it even quicker when they race this year. Retired upholsterer Mr Gingham said: "We really enjoyed taking part in 2016. It is great fun and raises a lot of money for Dorothy House which is a very good cause."

He enjoys working on the soapbox with his grandson as they both share a love of engineering. Their vehicle is designed to look like a Formula One racing car.

Widower Mr Gingham, who for many years ran Gingham's upholstery shop in Devizes until his retirement four years ago, is expecting people from all over the area to come and watch the race which does a tour of village.

The soap box derby that was originally started in the 80s by Gordon Straker, Bryan Coupe and Bill Leedham. In the 90s the race moved to Little Cheverell and have a lull was re-started in 2006.

These days the race starts and finishes at The Bell and goes in a circular course of about 1km. Competitors can enter in one of four categories including family, the under 14 age group, 14 to 17 and adult.

Trophies will go to all category winner and the Bryan Coupe Cup goes to the fastest Great Cheverell team. There will be medals for all finishers.

Another of those entering will be Jeremy Davies who has been entering the same soap box since 2006 and was part of the winning Aston Thunderbolts in 2007. He said: "It is made from an old bicycle with the rear wheel and pedals removed. I platform was added to the back of the frame by inserting a bar through the hole where the pedals usually are."