THOUSANDS of people braved the wet weather to line the streets of Accrington for the annual Soapbox Challenge.

There were more than 20 different entrants ranging from Dastardly and Muttley in their Flying Machines to the mayor’s own interesting take on the soapbox challenge with a bath kart.

Roger Parker, 37, from Accrington, said: “It is a bit cold and wet but everyone seems to be having a great time.

“It is great because it is putting the name of businesses in Accrington that may not be known about out there.

“I think it is great to see so many people down here and I know that probably 90 per cent of them will be from Accrington so it is great the community are supporting it.

“People have been watching the Red Bull events on TV so it is good to have an event in East Lancashire.”

Mark Taylor, 37 from Accrington, said: “I think it is a great thing for the people locally.

“It is really positive for the town and fair play to the organisers for running it.”

Jackie Cartwright, from Accrington, was supporting her husband John from The Energy People who were competing.

She said: “We have seen some great carts and the skip one is our favourite.

“So many people have supported it and got behind it Accrington style.”

Mayor of Hyndburn Cllr June Harrison said: “It is a really really good occasion even though we did not order the rain.

“There have been some really good ideas for the soapboxes and have put a lot of hard work into them.

“It is a great way for people to spend a morning and afternoon.”

The winners of the event were ‘Team Chicken Run’ from Emerson and Renwick Limited. There was a lots for visitors to see and do including a car rally on the square with lots of old cars on show.