A SHOPPING parade looked like wacky races when a mobile scooter race was held to launch the re-opening of a local pharmacy.

The race was held to promote the re-opening of a refurbished Lloyd’s Pharmacy at Acklam Road shops in Middlesbrough.

Kelly Hockney, shop manager, organised the three-scooter race partly to highlight the new store’s wider range of aids for people with disabilities.

Ms Hockney herself took part along two of her regular customers, Michelle Kirkwood and June Hughes.

June Hughes won the race but not without a little bit of gamesmanship, claiming victory on a high speed scooter amid tooting car horns, buses stopping to have a look and attention from by-passers.

The celebrations went on the rest of the day with Ms Hockney laying on refreshments helped by shop assistants: twins Jeanette Cockerill and Annette McKay.

Her sister, Alison Boocock, who manages the Lloyd's pharmacy on Linthorpe Road, also helped out. Her store will see its own re-fit later in the year.

Ms Hockney's pharmacy was officially re-opened by Harold Bircham, who, at 77, is one of the shop’s most senior and loyal customers.

She said: “We need people to use Acklam Road shops. A few shops shut down but a lot more people seem to be spending more money now. The community enjoyed it.”

She added that she hoped her event will make people in the Acklam Road area feel more positive about the shops and the area generally.