Return of soapbox challenge sees thousands descend on town

Thousands of spectators gathered to watch the return of a town's annual soapbox challenge.

The AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge saw a range of vehicles competing in the event, including Batman and Back to the Future-themed carts.

The carts raced through the town centre, with organisers saying that about 12,000 people gathered to watch the spectacle along Blackburn Road.

BBC Radio Lancashire presenter, Graham Liver was first off the starting line, racing a cart modelled on the Delorean car from the film, Back to the Future.

'Tremendous event'

The cart was built by North Lancs Training Group, with Graham dressed as Doc Brown.

Graham's co-presenter Parin Begum raced against him in a NORI brick-themed cart.

Mr Liver said: "What a day and what an event. This is the third year I've taken part in Accrington's Soapbox Challenge and it's different every time.

"It's such a fun day out!"

The event, sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, Accrington and Rossendale College and Financial Affairs, also included live music and dance performances.

The overall winner of the event was the Senator Group, with their cart Jeffrey's Jet.

Event organisers said the cart was made to raise awareness of Jeffrey's Journey, which supports a colleague's family member who is living with Battens Disease.

The North Lancs Training Group came second with their Minions-themed cart, while first-time racers, Mission Impossible, came third.

The oldest participant was driver Andrew Anderton of Accrington's Royal British Legion, who drove a cart in the event at the age of 104.

The best dressed trophy went to Stolle Machinery, with their beverage can-themed cart and costumes.

Event organisers said they also wanted to pay respect to the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

This included a Ukrainian-themed cart in the soapbox, Ukrainian food and a performance by a dance troupe.

All entry fees for the soapbox challenge are to go to local charity Maundy Relief, with organisers saying they hoped this year's event would take the total raised for the charity since the event began in 2018 to over £10,000.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead from Hyndburn Borough Council, said it was "a tremendous event".

"Not only do we get to see fast and ferocious racing, but the event also brings all areas of the community together to enjoy themselves and to shop local around town," she added.