The competition was as hot as the sun as villagers of all shapes and sizes came together to compete in a soap box derby.

The competition was as hot as the sun as villagers of all shapes and sizes came together to compete in a soap box derby.

The races were part of Gressenhall's Grand Fete and saw competitors put their homemade vehicles to the test.

As well as the racing there was also a tug of war, Punch and Judy show, coconut shy and a multitude of stalls from local organisations and charities.

The fete and the derby has become a popular part of village life over the last three years since an event was organised for the diamond jubilee in 2012.

Each year it is attended by more than 1,000 with people coming from the surrounding villages to join in the fun.

Molly Crisp, who is part of the organising committee, said: 'We have had a fantastic turn out and lots of support from people in the village and the surrounding villages.

'It is an opportunity for organisations to raise money, we just provide the people.

'An awful lot of work goes in to this from a group of just a few of us but it is all worthwhile when you see so many people enjoying themselves.

'We try and keep a traditional fete feel to it. We have got coconut shies and a Punch and Judy show which is very good.'

The soapbox derby featured a number of heats including dads and lads, under 16 and scouts races. The overall trophy was retained from last year by Gina Polley and Abbie Richards.

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