The entrance fee for spectators is £4 (children free) with free parking and a free Race Programme.

This year the main beneficiaries will be two local children’s charities, Megan Baker House and Ewe and You. Megan Baker House is the only centre in the UK offering specialist sessions to encourage the development of physical independence for children with motor impairments such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Ewe and You provides free holidays to disadvantaged children, aiming to enable them to take charge of their own lives by teaching them to take responsibility for their own actions and resist disruptive peer pressure.

Spokesman, John Whittall, said “Last year we had a record number of soap boxes competing and a record number of spectators. This year we are aiming to attract even more spectators with even more events including, at lunchtime, Ludlow and Croft Ambrey running clubs competing in the ‘Hanway Hill Heave’, a 1 mile run from the village up to the common (rather them than me!), displays of competition rally cars from Ludlow Castle Motor Club and vintage cars from Preston Vintage Car Club and, weather and operational commitments permitting, a C130J Hercules fly past from No 24 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire!”

He added “There has again been tremendous interest in the soap box competition and entries have so far been received from as far away as Lancashire, Lincolnshire and Surrey, as well as lots of local ones from Herefordshire and Shropshire. The 550 metre long course with a descent of 50 metres and fantastic views has proved itself to be one of the most popular Soap Box Derby competitions in the country. So go on, be there to cheer them on and help us raise lots of money for these two local children’s charities.”

Other attractions on the day include: the Black Knights Rocketeers, lawnmower racing, the Teme Valley Brass Band and, for children, Robin’s Roller Coaster and a free bouncy castle. With a hog roast, burgers, baked potatoes, sandwiches and ice creams for sale no one is likely to go hungry! There will be drinks available and a bar for the adults.

Hanway Common lies 1 mile North West of the village of Richard’s Castle and the event will be signposted on the day from both the A49 and the B4361.

For more information visit www.richardscastlesoapbox.co.uk .