The popular Aldington Soapbox Derby has been given a new lease of life.

The novelty race was called off last year after organisers struggled to find volunteers to help run it.

In addition, secretary of the event’s committee, Sarah Prescott and treasurer Jacqui Hodgson-Pope both decided to step down.

Now, the Ashford Lions Club have offered their services and joined forces with the committee to kick start the event once again.

Eric MacRae, a founder member of the Ashford Lions said: “Following a piece in the Kentish Express forewarning the possible demise of the event due to lack of manpower and involvement, I felt that such a widely enjoyed and successful event should not be allowed to die.

“The Lions Club is new and very small but the very enthusiastic group of members decided in February that we would try to do something to support it.

“We contacted Sarah and have now joined forces with the previous committee to jointly promote and run the event.”

Mr MacRae, of Sussex Avenue, Ashford, will now act as secretary on the Aldington Soapbox Derby 2015 Committee and both Sarah and Jacqui are back on board.

The Aldington Soapbox Derby, started in 2007, sees entrants race half a mile down Forge Hill and New Road Hill in home-made carts.

In the past, racers have built carts to look like hospital beds, cameras, sofas, Spitfire planes and pub tables and drivers are judged on novelty, speed and originality and thousands of spectators gather to watch.

As in previous years, the 2015 event, which is being sponsored by Civil Engineering Company Steadline Ltd, will raise money for the Pilgrims Hospice.

Pam Meller, fundraising manager for the charity, said: “The team at Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled that the Soapbox Derby organisers have joined forces with the recently formed Ashford Lions to bring this popular event back into the local community calendar.

“We urge local companies and supporters to get behind this event which is such great fun and provides a great family day out whilst raising funds for Pilgrims and other local charities.”

Subject to obtaining permission from Ashford Borough Council to close the roads, the event will take place this year on Bank Holiday Monday (August 31).

Go to aldingtonsoapbox.co.uk for more information.