A HARD-FOUGHT contest raged as donkeys raced through Southampton Common.

The date was July 18, 1970 when disappointing numbers turned out for the city’s second Donkey Derby.

The poor attendance figures, which were half that of the first year, were put down to the event taking place too soon after the Southampton Show.

Organised by Southampton Round Table, the day’s profits went to Round Table charities.

As well as running the refreshments side of the event, one of the charities, the SSA, also displayed many exhibits of work by those with learning difficulties from the local area.

Some of the money was used to help buy a resuscitator for babies in the Victoria House maternity unit at Southampton General Hospital.