THOUSANDS of people turned out for the North East Soapbox Challenge featuring dozens of wacky creations.

The quirky family day at Wearside's Herrington Country Park was joined by Greggs (Bakers) Foundation, The Roundhouse, Tharsus and the likes of Parkside Community Centre.

Youth workers, groups of friends and family groups , all who had had built their own kart creations to send them down the track at speed in the hope to win the £500 first prize.

Wilde giant sausages, boats, coffins, even a giant Henry-style Hoover shot down the track,

Family team Cushie Butterfield and the Herrington Kippers won the race in a nail-biting tie race -off with The Roundhouse’s Cardio Team.

Both teams getting 37.7 seconds times, before the Cushie Butterfield’ Team smashed their first time by 0.3 seconds with 37.4 seconds to win the race.

Runners up, the Hilly Billy Flintstones were a popular 3rd place team (43.6 seconds)

with their cartoon inspired kart and costumes.

Best car in show was won by The Toot Sweet’s recreation of the classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car of Ian Fleming.

Hot Event Solutions directors Aliceanne Smith and Martin Tulip, who put on the event, said: "We are both delighted by the incredible turnout and support for the event shown, and in the months leading up.

"The community spirit, great North-East humour and camaraderie is alive and well with the North-East soapbox. It’s been a marvellous occasion for everyone involved and we are already planning 2019."