It was a set of wacky racers that would have rivalled Dick Dastardly, Penelope Pitstop and the rest.

A bath on wheels, a spaceship, and a popemobile were just some of the crazy creations speeding down a Staffordshire hill at the weekend.

More than 40 competitors donned fancy dress to do battle in homemade karts at the 2007 Downhill Race at the Meynell Ingram Arms in Hoar Cross, near Lichfield.

About 3,500 people lined the route to catch a glimpse of the thrill-seeking racers and their ludicrous contraptions at Saturday’s charity rally.

Despite fierce competition from tanks and fire engines on the route down School Hill, it was a team inspired by a giant yellow fruit that eventually reigned supreme.

Team Bananadrama took the crown, with Chris Wilson and his co-driver Gary Robertson, both from Barton-under-Needwood, named Downhill Soapbox champions 2007.

Video journalist Victoria Hoe was on hand to capture all the thrills and spills.