Pewsey Carnival’s wacky Wheelbeero and Wine races have been saved following discussions between the organisers and the licensing authorities.

There was a fear that the famous races around the village in the run-up to carnival night would have to go teetotal under health and safety rules.

But after negotiations the county licensing authority agreed that competitors can keep on boozing as long as certain rules are followed.

Carnival committee member Phil Stevens said: “We never doubted that the races would go ahead. But coming to an agreement with the licensing people has made it more secure. It’s all good news.”

The Wheelbeero race was founded more than 30 years ago by Tony Kimber.

It involves teams of three in fancy dress pushing a wheelbarrow around the village, with one of their number in the barrow at all times, stopping at pubs along with way to down a glass of beer at each venue.

This year the Wheelbeero takes place on September 16.

Mr Kimber said: “It’s a great relief. The race has been going for so long and it would have been very upsetting if it was to stop.”

Under the new rules, the committee has stipulated that the wheelbarrow must have one wheel only which must remain in contact with the ground whenever possible. In each pub one member only must drink either a pint of beer or a soft drink.

The carnival wine race, a similarly silly competition which involves drinking wine, has also been saved by the agreement with the licensing authorities.

The wine race takes place on September 9.

Meanwhile, the annual Pewsey carnival car treasure hunt held in memory of carnival stalwart Clifford ‘Cossor’ Goldsworthy was a huge success with 15 entries taking part on July 25.

The winners were the Mundy family and, in joint second place, Peter Lampard’s team and The Hasbeens/Party Animals.