Crowds braved the rain to watch competitors hurtle down Castle Street in Trowbridge for the eighth annual Carnival Soapbox Grand Prix on Sunday.

The action-packed event, which raises funds towards Trowbridge Carnival, invites creative people, young and old, to compete in homemade vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

This year’s grand prix saw 10 entrants in the children’s category and five entrants in the adult category, with dozens of residents turning out in the rain to cheer on the competitors.

Maryrose Mantle from the town’s carnival committee, which runs the event, said: “It went very well, despite the rain we had at the start of the day. Everyone came out in support and I want to thank all those who came along.”

Michael Bowden, from the Longs Arms pub, won the adult category and 12-year-old Will Lennox, from Trowbridge, was victorious in the children’s race, while funeral directors CS Bowyer won the prize for best soapbox with its coffin design.

There were also prizes for Molly Morris, 10, from Westbury, who won best fancy dress and William Kettley, from 1st Westbury Scouts, who won the Against All Odds category for recovering after crashing on his first run.

Nigel Hemmens, vice chair of the carnival committee and organiser of the soapbox derby, said: “Considering the weather, we were very surprised about how well it went. This was the first time we have had rain since we started running it.

“I thought it might be a disaster when I saw the weather, but everyone had a really enjoyable day and it ended up being as good as if it had stayed dry.

“There were also some very good times recorded.

“I want to thank everyone who came out, and the event sponsors Hire Standards in Westbury.

“We are also grateful to the Rotary Club of Wessex Mead, who helped with the stewarding.”

The event also included a demonstration by six-year-old Westbury karting racer Enzo Toms, who has gained an international following through his Facebook page 'Enzo CRG Racing'.