By Robert Haile

The return of Soap Box Racing to the streets St Bees has proven a hit with over a thousand pounds raised for charity.

Taking place on Friday, December 29, a range of characters ran down the length of St Bees’ Main Street as soap box racing returned for the first time in almost forty years.

The seven stop race, sponsored by C. Sharpe Roofing, started at the top of the Main Street and finished at the Queens Hotel.

The committee of locals made up of Claire and Stephen Shackley, Charles Bagshaw, Lee Shackley and Nathan Lord who got together to organise The St Bees Soap Box Derby amongst other events on the day raised £1220.

A spokesperson for the event said: “The event raised £922.51 from entry fees, the raffle, which had over 20 prizes and donations from buckets placed in pubs, then C. Sharpe Roofing rounded the prize total up to £1220 which will make each of the three charities a £400 donation.

“The village pubs were packed and the community spirit was outstanding.”

The two charities, RNLI St Bees and MND, along with Jude Jackson will receive a share of the money raised.

READ MORE: Fundraiser To Get St Bees Baby Jude To London Medical Specialist Gains Community Support

With plenty of recognisable characters such as Scooby Doo, Snow White, Mario and a group of farm animals the event went down as a success that is already being talked about for 2024.

With a trophy originally going to the winners and best fancy dress the committee have decided to add one for the Under 18s after Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Daphne and Fred flew down the street.

The race winners were ‘Team 118’ And Best Fancy Dress was Paul and Yolande.