After a two year gap the Rotary Newton Abbot wheelbarrow race returned as part of the Newton Abbot Carnival Charity day on Saturday.

Eight teams competed in a one hour race around a 230 metre course set up in Courtney Park.

The teams were racing for their own clubs or a charity, three teams entered by Teign Titan Netball club, raised nearly £1,000 for their hardship fund to support members costs to attend competitions locally and nationally.

Local company Sherwoods entered two enthusiatic teams who raised over £900 for Rowcroft Hospice.Newton Abbot charity Meadowside entered a team with a team of carers and residents whilst coming last in the race, they got the loudest cheers from the crowd watching.

Eventual winners Captain Jack Barrow aka Marsh Commercials Insurance completing 56 laps, running for Meadowside added their fundraising to the Meadowside raising more than £800.

Rotary had agreed to offer cash prizes for the first three places, as there was a tie on 54 laps for second place between Sherwoods 2 and Team Scarcrow (Teign Titans) and a tie for third place on 53 laps between Sherwood 1 and Team Union Flag (Teign Titans) President Jeremy decided to award £100 to the winners £50 each to the second place and £25 each to the third place all of which will be added to their fundraising.

Organiser Martin Smith said: ‘I want to thank all the competitors who joined in the fun , negotiating water pistols fired by equally enthsiastic children , given the high temperatures it was very welcome. My team of Rotarians kept everybody safe and ensured the smooth running of the race and of course Newton Abbot Mayor Carol Bunday for presenting the medals to all the competitors, for judging the best fancy dress entry won Devon Scouts led by Mike Dymond winning £50.’

He added: ‘I would also like to acknowledge local busineses, Scott Richards , Teignbridge Propellors, TenTen storage , Peplows, Wollens, Fermoys , Repair Wizard,Sherwoods and Dainton Park who supported the day enabling us to award prizes and medals. This fantastic community event was great to see after the the two years of inactivity and it expected nearly £3,000 will be donated to the race beneficiaries.’

Rotary Newton Abbot also re-introduced their Hook-A-Duck game adding to the ‘Fun of the Fair’ proving popular with the youngsters attending.