Hundreds of spectators lined Ashton under Hill’s main road on New Year’s Day as the village’s soapbox races made a welcome return.

Not only did the event provide great entertainment for the crowd, but it also raised £5,000 for the family of local teenager Nicola Leaver, who is battling a very rare form of cancer.

More than 30 karts took part in the races with a variety of designs, fancy dress and special effects and a Dalek even made a guest appearance.

Evesham Journal: The Dalek, operated by Oliver Honer, who gave up his time to help raise money. Andrew Cooke PhotographyThe Dalek, operated by Oliver Honer, who gave up his time to help raise money. Andrew Cooke Photography

Matt Cyphus, one of the event’s organisers, said: “It was great to be back after the break last year and I think this was our best event yet. There was a fantastic atmosphere, with everyone united behind the cause we were supporting.

"Some entries focussed on fancy dress, others purely on speed and some on both. We’d like to thank all our competitors for the effort they put in to entertain the crowd.

“Due to the generosity of our sponsors, spectators and competitors, we have managed to raise £5,000 to help Nicola's family. More than 60 helpers were involved in making sure that the competitors made it down the course safely and that the crowd was entertained, and we’re really grateful to them all.

"We’re taking a break in 2023 and will be back in 2024 to hopefully build an even bigger and better event.”

In the programme notes, Nicola's grandfather Ian Leaver said her mother had had to relinquish her job to become Nicola's full-time carer, travelling regularly to Bristol whilst Nicola, a student at Prince Henry's High School in Evesham, undergoes her chemotherapy treatment which is expected to take six to nine months.

He added: "This is a nightmare for the whole family and we are all heartbroken but very hopeful that she will make a full recovery as she is such a brave, beautiful and positive girl."

Evesham Journal: 2020 winners Chris Jones and Fran Kirke opening up the event riding The Four Kartpersons of the Soapocalypse. Andrew Cooke Photography2020 winners Chris Jones and Fran Kirke opening up the event riding The Four Kartpersons of the Soapocalypse. Andrew Cooke Photography

There was an under 16s category and an adults race in addition to best-built and best fancy dress awards.

Full list of award winners:

  • The Gardens by Jenny Best Built Kart award - Team Savage (James Savage)
  • The Eddie's Autos Chicane award - Flying Low (Stefan & Frank Sieracki)
  • The bridge][ability Fancy Dress award - Keith the Steam Iron (Will & Charlie Archer)
  • The James Archer Plumbing Sunday Driver Award - The Fourth Wave (Dan Hughes)
  • The Simply Sedum Under 16s Cup - 3rd: Team Archerati Junior MM22 (Harry Archer); 2nd: Kart be Arsed 1 (Ben Taylor); 1st The Need for Speed (Adam Cyphus)
  • The Greentree Adult's Cup - 3rd: Team Savage (James Archer); 2nd: Kart be Arsed 2 (Dave Taylor); 1st: Full Tilt (Chris Jones)
  • The Nortech Course Record award - Kart be Arsed 2 (Dave Taylor) 44.73 seconds