Ice and freezing cold weather was not enough to put the brakes on the annual Hoar Downhill Soapbox race in Stafford-shire yesterday.

After months of preparation, kart building and costume designing, 68 contestants entertained a crowd of 1,500 at the event at Hoar Cross, near Lichfield.

With names such as Hugh Heffner and the Bunny Girls, Mower Maniacs, and Maverick and Goose, the fancy dress-clad competitors lined up at the starting post at the top of a hill in 34 home-made karts.

They competed against the clock in the downhill race and a final race-off was held between the five fastest karts.

The event was displayed on large screens for the gathered crowds in the Meynell Ingram Arms car park, and the race was won by duo Tim Male and Gareth Roe of Wrecked en Racing.

A 'pitstop party', which followed the day's racing, saw Aston Villa match tickets and a trip to Italy auctioned to add to the funds already raised for the children's charity When You Wish Upon A Star.