Hundreds of thrill-seekers lined the course for the annual Soapbox Derby in Cromer, with entrants from as far away as the Midlands.

Eastern Daily Press: Children and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryChildren and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

Families and supporters watched from any vantage point they could find and cheered on each contestant, especially over the hazardous ramp, which has dismantled many a soapbox in the past.

Among those taking part on Sunday, August 11, was James Garwood, 34, from South Repps, who has competed in all five previous derbies and won the second event.

His cart 'Splinter' was made of wood and he said: "Everyone is so friendly, and it's a great laugh every year."

Tom Taylor, 12, was riding his cart, based on a fighter jet, for the first time.

Eastern Daily Press: Children and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryChildren and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

The schoolboy, from Great Moulton, near Long Stratton, said: "It took a couple of months to make it. It's made of steel and is a recycled canoe, with Lt Tom Taylor emblazoned on its side."

Elliott Large, from the About with Friends charity, rode a Wacky Races soapbox.

"It's made of cardboard from a modified quad bike. It's my first time here," he said.

And Chris Hubbard, from Sustead, and Leigh Edwards, from Norwich, took turns riding their ice cream van cart.

Eastern Daily Press: Children and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryChildren and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

John Beresford, from Northampton, built his soapbox, a recycled go-kart, from scrap.

Now in its fifth year, the event is part of the Cromer Carnival celebrations, and Bruce Stratton, one of the organisers, said: "We had 30 soapboxes and 36 drivers, with some taking turns driving.

"Each entrant has two runs to find the fastest in each class, and then the overall winner.

"Businesses in the town sponsored banners, but it was too windy to pin them to the barriers.

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Taylor raced his Top Gun car soapbox in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, competitors were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryTom Taylor raced his Top Gun car soapbox in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, competitors were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

"Sporting Car Club of Norfolk did the scrutinising and timing. All the drivers must have crash helmets, and carts must be safe."

There were classes for 10 to 15 years, 16 to 18 years and 18 and over. 'Concourse de Elegance' prizes and fastest driver awards were also given out in each class.

The event was supported by last year's sponsors GTK 'A Volex Company', based in Basingstoke, Hampshire and Westcotec Traffic Safety Systems, from Dereham.

the winners in each class and overall fastest soapbox.

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Taylor raced his Top Gun car soapbox in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, competitors were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryTom Taylor raced his Top Gun car soapbox in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, competitors were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

Juniors 10 - 15 years. Joint winners, course time 33 seconds, Alfie Childs and Emily Flowerdew

16 - 18 years, course time 27 seconds, Christopher Dakin

Adults, course time 26 seconds. Oliver Richardson

Fastest soapbox and overall winner, Oliver Richardson. Course time 26 seconds

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Taylor raced his Top Gun car soapbox in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, competitors were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryTom Taylor raced his Top Gun car soapbox in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, competitors were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

Eastern Daily Press: Children and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryChildren and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

Eastern Daily Press: Children and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryChildren and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

Eastern Daily Press: Emily Flowerdew raced her crab soapbox car in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, competitors were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryEmily Flowerdew raced her crab soapbox car in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, competitors were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

Eastern Daily Press: Children and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryChildren and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

Eastern Daily Press: Children and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil PerryChildren and adults took part in the annual Cromer Soapbox Derby, they were watched by hundreds of thrill-seekers who had lined the course. Picture: Neil Perry (Image: Neil Perry)

Eastern Daily Press: Alfie Childs, 10, on his kart at the Cromer soapbox derby. Picture: Childs familyAlfie Childs, 10, on his kart at the Cromer soapbox derby. Picture: Childs family (Image: Archant)