Hunstanton RNLI sailed home to victory in the resort's Searles Soapbox Derby today.

Around 40 homemade karts – ranging from old bath tubs to more ambitious designs – raced downhill to The Green.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris BishopScenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

None of them could match the lifeboat crew's 44-second time, with Ed Napolitana at the helm of the winning kart for the second year running.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris BishopScenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

The course started at Boston Square, then turned onto 'Crazy Corner' into Cliff Parade before finishing at the mini-roundabout.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris BishopScenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Roger Partridge, activities coordinator for Hunstanton Heritage Gardens, was pleased with the turnout.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris BishopScenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

'The day's gone superbly well,' he said. 'There are more people here than last year, we're really pleased – there must be 5,000 or 6,000 here, or there has been through the day.'

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris BishopScenes from the Searles Soapbox Derby at Hunstanton. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Searles and West Norfolk council signed a one-year deal to sponsor the event, with an option for it sponsor the derby again in the future. As part of the sponsorship agreement, the newly-established Hunstanton 4T5 Club was fundraising at the event with a gin tent on The Green, bucket collections and banner advertising.

Eastern Daily Press: The winning RNLI team with their trophies (from left) Dave Eastwood, driver Ed Napolitana and Charles Napolitana Picture: Chris BishopThe winning RNLI team with their trophies (from left) Dave Eastwood, driver Ed Napolitana and Charles Napolitana Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Imperial Leathered won the Concours D'elegance with their Ghostbusters-inspired kart, while Pat Richardson won the veretan's event with a machine made from two old bikes.

Eastern Daily Press: Imperial Leathered, winners of the Concours D'elegance Picture: Chris BishopImperial Leathered, winners of the Concours D'elegance Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Team Richardson with West Norfolk Mayor Nick Daubney and Hunstantin Mayor Amanda Bosworth Picture: Chris BishopTeam Richardson with West Norfolk Mayor Nick Daubney and Hunstantin Mayor Amanda Bosworth Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Teams gather on the Green at Hunstanton after the event Picture: Chris BishopTeams gather on the Green at Hunstanton after the event Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)