RETIRED upholsterer Barry Gingham and his engineering loving grandson are looking forward to life in the fast lane after designing a soapbox ready for a village race.

Mr Gingham, 70, and grandson Sam Gingham-Smith, 10, will be taking part in Great Cheverell's soapbox derby on August 30.

The pair who share a love of design have been working on their soap box which is built to look like a Formula One racing car for several weeks.

Mr Gingham said: "Sam is a budding James Dyson. He loves engineering and I really enjoy this sort of thing as well.

"I saw a sign about the event in the village shop and thought it would be just the thing for us to take part in. I found some big wheels from an old pram and the soapbox is gold in colour with a number 11 on the side."

Widower Mr Gingham, who for many years ran Gingham's upholstery shop in Devizes until his retirement two years ago, is expecting plenty of support on the day of the race.

He said: "All my friends from North Wiltshire Golf Club say they are coming to see me have a spill but I hope that won't happen.

"We don't expect to win but I am hopeful it will go quite fast. We will have helmets and seat belts." Mr Gingham will be in the driving seat with Sam, who lives in Calne and goes to Holy Trinity School, as his passenger.

Mr Gingham said: "We haven't done any test runs yet but we plan to take it out for a practice quite soon."

Mr Gingham's partner Hazel Kelly lives in the centre of the village and has supported his endeavours. He said: "She is very involved in village life and thought it was a good idea for us to take part."

The soapbox derby is held every two years. This year's event which starts at 5pm will have four different categories for families, under 12s, 12 to 17 and 18 and over. Entry costs £5 and teams are encouraged to wear fancy dress.

Entry forms are available from the village shop.