THE?cricket ground in Lower Wield was turned into a race track for one of the highlights of the village’s annual summer event – the Soapbox Derby.

It proved to be a nail-biting race as Charlie Dennys, of Lower Wield, set a blistering pace and set the fastest early track time, but he was just beaten overall by a “very determined” Kimberley Pullinger, of Upper Wield, who was crowned Wield GP2’s 2017 champion.

The soapboxes were not only judged on speed, but also distance, presentation and mechanical competence.

Away from the track, there was a lot going on and while a 1940s band filled the fete with nostalgic music and children enjoyed games organised by David Geddes, the WI produced welcome cups of tea and homemade cakes during the scorching afternoon while the barbecue also proved popular.

Although a little warm for the four-legged contestants, they all behaved impeccably at the popular dog show, which was judged by Graham from Training 4 Dogs who found it hard to pick a winner.