Soapbox derby returns with record number of racers

A record number of daring drivers are expected to take part in a seaside town's annual "whacky races".

The Hunstanton Soap Box Derby, where competitors race homemade karts, gets under way at about 11:00 BST.

The event dates back to 1953 and the course is described as "hilly, fast and exciting".

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets and road closures will be in place.

Norfolk Police are among a number of local emergency services expected to take part and say they are looking forward to the "rivalry".

"We know this year that Norfolk fire service have got [a kart] but they won't tell us anything about it," says PC Daniel Brock, based in King's Lynn.

"Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue have got one as well, so there's always that inter-service competition.

"Hopefully we'll win, or at least see another day."

Norfolk Police has entered two vehicles, including one with LED lights and a siren, which will be ridden by one of its cadets in a junior race.

The free to watch event, organised by the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, starts by the High Street on Greevegate and finishes in Beach Terrace Road by the bandstand.

Each race starts with a push at the top of the hill before competitors race down towards the sea, passing over a ramp along the way.

Last year, more than 40 teams took part.

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