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Soapbox challenge sees thousands descend on town

Isobel FryNorth West, Accrington
News imageBBC A participant wearing a white racing helmet drives a homemade soapbox-style cart along a course lined with straw bales. Spectators watch from behind orange safety barriers, while a chequered flag is waved in the background. The road is covered with scattered straw.BBC
This year's event had a film theme

Thousands of spectators watched homemade carts hurtle round the streets for a town's annual soapbox course.

The Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge saw a range of vehicles competing in the film-themed event.

Twenty-three teams took part in the race, over three quarters of a mile of twists and turns.

The Mission Improbable team won the community group category, with their Thunderbirds-themed cart, and the business group race was won by Baxenden Car Breakers.

News imageA purple shed-shaped soapbox vehicle with a green roof travels around a straw-bale-lined race course. A sign on the front reads "OSSY SHED" and spectators stand behind metal barriers in the background
The Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge saw a range of vehicles competing
News imageA participant wearing a black helmet drives a red and blue soapbox kart around a course lined with straw bales and safety barriers. The four-wheeled vehicle features a white roll frame and number stickers on the front panel. Motion blur in the background emphasises the kart's speed during the race.
Twenty-three teams took part in the race
News imageA soapbox racer navigates a straw-bale-lined course in front of a large crowd. Two people dressed in black run behind it. Spectators watch from behind red safety barriers.
The Nuns on the Run team were cheered on by the crowd
News imageThree participants in matching blue overalls and pointed blue hats pose beside a green soapbox vehicle on a town-centre street.
The Mission Improbable team won the community group

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