Carts made to look like everything from pirate ships to elephants and tractors to snowmen flew down Aldington’s hills yesterday

Around 1,000 people turned out for the 2015 Soapbox Derby, held at Forge Hill and New Road Hill, as well as on the green.

Villager Martin Goodchild’s Little Red Shark was the fastest cart to make it down the track in an impressive 55.29 seconds.

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This time resulted in him winning the main event, sponsored by Steadline. Coming second and third were Dart, driven by Stephen Finniss and Rat Rod, driven by Gavin Barlow, who finished in 1min and 2.56secs and 1min and 3.4secs respectively.

A bravery award went to Rob Sutch who needed to go to hospital after dislocating his shoulder.

Eric MacRae, secretary of the Aldington Soapbox Derby committee, said: “He had a bit of a crash towards the end of the route. We had St John’s there, so they took him to hospital. It was the only incident we had all day.”

Winners of the Best Novelty Soapbox was Ted, made by James Longstaff - who also drove it - and Ben Filip, which was made to look like an elephant. Second and third place went to pirate ship The Black Pearl, run by the Newchurch Neanderthals and Frozen’s Olaf, run by Firefighters Dan Lavender and Mike Pitney.

The team behind box cart The Calleywell Flyer provided the day with the oldest and youngest competitors, Frank Newington, 81, and his grandson Matt. Mr Newington won the race in 2000.

Mr MacRae, founder of the Ashford Lions, who helped organise the event, added: “The day went very well. It was wet, but the weather was the one thing we couldn’t control.

“We had 31 entries in the end.

“Kelly Isherwood deservers a credit, she was our sole lady driver.

“People really entered the spirit of the thing. Some cars were built for speed, and some for entertainment.”

Other attractions on the day included a fair on the green, live music, go carts for children, food and drink and performances from skateboarders, Thanet Dogtown.

Money was raised by the Pilgrims Hospices, Aldington Village Hall and Ashford Lions Club charities, although a total is not yet known.

Video: Matt Leclere reports on the Aldington Soapbox Derby 2015