St Bees Soap Box Derby returned for its 3 year and raised £3000 for charity and started 2026 off with a donation.

The village tradition dating back over 40 years was resurrected in 2023 and now has become a firm fixture in the village brings out supporters out in their hundreds.

The event organised by St Bees residents, including Claire Shackley, Stephen Shackley, Charles Bagshaw, Nathan Lord and Cassandra Sharpe; presented St Bees RNLI with a cheque for £1,500 on New Year’s Day.

Sponsored by C. Sharpe Roofing the event always takes place between Christmas and New Year, with this year’s Derby taking place on December 28.

The event won by The Power Rangers had nine teams taking part with The Attitude Adjusters, Silks & spurs, Hoof hearted l, WWE, 5 Fair Ladies, Back Up, ‘y’ and 6/7.

After the event, The Manor and The Queens were packed full of people enjoying themselves and both pubs provided entertainment.

The staff really worked hard, constantly serving customers.

There was a live raffle the following day, seeing lucky winners bagging prizes from luxury stays at The Armathwaite Hall Hotel, large screen TVs and crates of wine, alongside numerous other prizes which were generously donated.

The total raised was £3000 and another £1,500 from the event was donated to a villager who is currently undergoing treatment following a diagnosis of leukaemia earlier in the year.