A SOAPBOX derby will take place in Basildon for the first time – with supporters invited to hurl themselves down a hill in unpowered, home-made cars.

Organiser Peter Humphreys has raced annually across Essex for three years with his wife Julie, his son Joe, 17, and his 14-year-old Jessica, in their Rusty Tub - an old bath transformed into a racer.

Taking inspiration from the Billericay Soapbox Derby, devoted racer Peter was eager to bring the fun to the borough he calls his home.

The 39-year-old, said: “It all started when Paul Downey and Stuart Tearson from the Basildon and Pitsea Carnival Association had seen the Rusty Tub on top of my shed and wanted me to take part in the carnival. We brainstormed and realised there was nothing like this for Basildon.

“Having taken part in these events, I really wanted Basildon to have a taste of all the fun. We wanted to do something that was all about our community which would bring everyone together.

“For all those who might not know what the soapbox derby is, it’s essentially a group of maniacs throwing themselves down a hill and over obstacles, racing in gravity powered vehicles. The adrenaline rush is so much fun, and people really enjoy it every year.

“Our team is called Sit Down, Shut Up and Hang On. We crashed and didn’t even make it to the end of our first one, but came ninth in our second one. We’re looking forward to this years.”

The event will be held on July 18 from 11am, and will run along Laindon Link towards the roundabout at Basildon town.

Proceeds from the event will go to St Luke’s Hospice and Basildon Mind. Peter continued: “There will obviously be the races, live entertainment, food and drink stalls, fairground rides, bouncy castles- something for all the family.

“Residents are absolutely thrilled this is going ahead. We’re hoping to have between 40 to 50 teams take part, and there will be three categories- the youth, wacky races and corporate class.”