FORGET Penelope Pitstop, this weekend was the turn of Winchester residents to race their own go-karts.

Dubbed Wacky Races, the event on Sunday (June 29) saw adrenaline junkies race their home-made non-powered go-karts at Race Hill, opposite the King Charles pub, in Springvale Road, Kings Worthy.

It was put on by local charity, A Better Life, which works with people in the UK and Mongolia who are in troubled circumstances.

The event has been running for six years and this year smashed all records, with 128 races in 18 different categories, and just as many trophies up for grabs.

Prizes were awarded for fastest time of the day, wackiest creation and best technical design amongst others, with the trophy presentation at the King Charles pub.

One of the organisers, Leigh McQueen, said: “It was absolutely fantastic. It’s our best year ever. We raised £2303.15, which is the most we have ever made. We are over the moon, really happy. It’s very exciting. We've had so many emails and messages saying thank you, and sending donations online – we’ve never had that after the race before.”

She added: “It was just a really lovely event, with children as young as three all the way up to their grandparents taking part – even teenagers!”

Last year saw the introduction of a new category specifically designed for children with additional needs, which was carried on this time around with specially designed go-karts.

The winner of the Overall Fastest Time of the Day went to Pink Panther, designed and built by Thomas Hastie, 13, and driven by William Warwick-Smith, 12, who soared down the 250 metre track at just 11.86 seconds.