SOAPBOX chariots raced down the streets of Colerne drawing an excited crowd of onlookers on Saturday.

It is the first year the village has decided to host the novelty competition and saw more than ten homemade soapbox vehicles compete to be crowned the fastest.

Many had spent months transforming prams and using wood to build and create their own make-shift chariots to then race down the High Street to the Market Place in fancy dress.

Designs included a fire engine which was judged best in the junior category, the Mario Bros characters Mario and Luigi from the Nintendo games and Alison Blake-Reed and Michelle Bartrum who took inspiration from the Hare and the Tortoise story and were judged best in the senior category.

“It was successful and got people out on the streets having a good time,” organiser Geoff Bicknell said. “The people who took part had fun. There were in fancy dress and they had a go, I thought it was really good.”

The Chippenham Young Farmers Club were awarded first place in the race and were treated to a burger from the BBQ.

Afterwards, villagers soaked up the sun at the May Fair, organised by the Friends of Colerne Church. There were a variety of stalls and activities including spinning teacups, food and a raffle.

Mr Bicknell added: “It was an experiment this year and it worked, there are lots of things we can see to make it better next time. It was fun it started the May Fair off with something different and we got really good feedback.”