Hundreds of people are expected to flock to an Aberdeenshire town this Sunday for an annual cart racing event.
The Ellon Pedal Car Race – now in it’s fifth year – will take place in the town on Sunday August 24.
The event is organised annually through the Ellon Rotary Club, and this year they hope to attract a host of quirky peddle car creations.
Yesterday, club chairman, Mike Watson said: “Brewdog had a big entry last year, their car was dressed up as a shark. So, as usual, we’re looking for the best dressed car.”
This year’s event has been organised in conjunction with the Ythan Cycle Club and will feature bike races for five age groups for youngsters aged 16 and under.
Mr Watson added: “We have organised a series of cycling races from age groups from under eights to under 16s, these will occur in the morning and early afternoon and these races will be followed by the pedal car race, which this year will have 16 entries.
“It generally builds up towards the pedal car race and we attracted 2000 people last year.
“In addition to the races there will be a selection of stalls on the Market Street car park.”
Sections of Market Street, Bridge Street and Station Road will be closed around the town centre to host the event’s 800m route from 10am until 5pm on Sunday.
All the money raised from this year’s events will go towards two local charities – Kayleigh’s Wee Stars – which supports family’s who have children with terminal illnesses – and health education charity, the Aberdeenshire Life Education Centres (ALEC).
Last year the event raised £6500 for the Maggie’s cancer care centre at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The bicycle races will kick start Sunday’s events, following this the Ellon and District British Legion Pipe Band will lead a procession of all the pedals cars around the circuit in advance of the day’s penultimate event.
The cart race entrants will then battle it out for the competition trophy.
ALEC will be entering the competition with a cart of their own creation, along with the Ellon Rotary Club themselves, Brewdog and shipping company Maersk.
Mr Watson added: “It’s an opportunity to have a fun event in the community, for the community and by the community, providing an atmosphere that everyone can enjoy whilst at the same time being able to fundraise for worthwhile causes.”