A CROWD of nearly 500 turned out to enjoy the thrills and spills of Purton’s second ever soap box race.

The event saw 12 teams racing their home-made go-karts down the hill between Hinton and Purton, using only the power of gravity.

On-lookers clamoured to get a good view of all the action on the 600 metre course, which featured two jumps and a ‘water splash’.

Vehicle designs included a cement mixer, a baby in a pram, a rocking horse, a ninja turtle, an ambulance and a fire engine.

The fastest cart was named Husky and Starch.

Constructed by Chris Pain, it clocked an impressive time of just 57 seconds, averaging over 20mph.

Defending champions SARA unfortunately came a cropper on their first run after landing the first jump but managed to reconstruct their kart ready for a second run.

Proceeds go to SARA, the Vale of Berkeley Railway Restoration and St John’s Church, Purton.

A spokesman for the event said: "We would like to say a very big thank you to B & W Vets, Roger Williams Building, MD Collins (Steel Buildings), Rio Pools, Cotswold Edge Golf Club, Friends of Purton, Manor Construction, Andy Gaye of Manor Construction.Dursley, The Huntsman House Inn, and Mutiny (IT Data protection) for their donations which ensured the event went ahead."