DOZENS of pedal cars hurtled through the streets on Darwen on Sunday.

The sun shone as more than 100 spectators watched drivers battle it out in the 7th Darwen Pedal Car Grand Prix.

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Teams from as far out as Manchester took part in the two-hour race, each bringing several drivers.

Crown Paints, Ewood Bikes and the 105th Manchester Scouts were among the participants who burst out of the starting blocks in Church Street.

The rules indicated that the team with the most laps within two hours would be crowned the winner, with unlimited driver changeovers.

Ian Kay, 46, owner of Ewood Bikes in Blackburn, said this was his first race.

He said: “The car was very easy to put together and it has five gears.

“You would think that being cyclists, our team would have a good level of fitness — but anything can happen in the race.

“We were very excited to ta- ke part. It is all about having fun.”

The Scouts, who have previously won the race, had travelled from Blackley to get involved.

Gary Hollingsworth, Scout leader, said: “It is great for the kids to get constructive and take part in physical activity outside.

“It is a great team-building exercise. We enter a couple of cars to make sure everyone gets to have a go.”

Glen Jones, 61, and his wife Barbara, 59, of Darwen, came along to watch the action.

Mr Jones said: “It looked like great fun. Everyone was enjoying themselves and they had good weather for the race.

“We have been meaning to come down and watch it for a few years and I am glad we did.

“We will have to enter with one next year and see how well we can do.”

Cllr Peter Hollings, who represents Sunnyhurst ward, one of the organisers of event, said: “The idea was to get everyone to take part in something a bit different.

“We started the races seven years ago and we have had lots of different groups take part.”