THERE were thrills and spills aplenty during the Trowbridge annual Soapbox Derby yesterday morning.

A crowd of around 200 turned out to cheer on the competitors during the ninth soapbox grand prix as they hurtled down Castle Street in their homemade karts.

The event, organised by the Trowbridge Carnival Committee headed by Maryrose Mantle from the town council, attracted entries in both the children and adult classes with a road closure sealing off the hill for the morning's fun.

Making their debut at the annual event was a team of three from Trowbridge police with a kart made from an old settee and a Suzuki model front end.

Team co-ordinator PC Jamie Darville said: "We have been involved in events organised by Maryrose Mantle of the town council during the year so we thought we would support her at this event by entering a team.”

Entrants were timed over the three runs down Castle Street with the combined times added to give the overall figures.

Mrs Mantle said: "It was a brilliant event. We had sunshine and smiles with every one enjoying this fun event.”

The winner of the junior section was Leanne Price, from Surrey, and her stepfather Colin Hedger tasted success in the adult category. The duo sharing the same kart had taken the top prize in both classes for the sixth time.

Mr Hedger said: “We have friends in the area so we make it a great social event to come to Trowbridge and take part.”

Molly Morris of Westbury was awarded a special award for her soapbox. She entered the event in a vehicle made to look like a VW camper van.

William Lennox was given a special award for his spectacular crash. The 13-year-old from Clarendon Avenue crashed out of contention not one but twice during the morning's three runs.

The police team, who took second and third placings, promised they would return next year with a competitive soapbox having enjoyed their debut event.

Mary Rose Mantle said that next year she would like to see more groups enter and possible all the three emergency services, police, fire and ambulance, compete for a special award.

Trowbridge's annual carnival will be taking place on Saturday October 24 and in the build up the committee will be holding a country fair and boot sale in the town’s park on Saturday September 5.