BOWLERS, Barbies and a beer can train were all on display as the Whitchurch Pub Race returned last weekend.

The annual event, run by Whitchurch CIC, saw 19 teams don their best fancy dress as they took part in the nine-stop race between pubs.

Runners drank either a half pint of beer or a soft drink at each stop, while collecting donations from members of the public who lined the route on Sunday.

More than £3,500 was raised, to be used to fund further events in Whitchurch.

Rob Dunlop, one of the race’s organisers, said: “Everything that’s raised on the day, all that money goes towards future events around the town, such as the fireworks display, and if there’s any money left that goes back to local groups in the town.”

“It’s one big cycle,” he added, “they come to the event, they donate at the event and the cycle keeps going.”

Rob says he tries to rotate the first and last pubs of the race each year so that everyone has a chance to get involved.

He added: “The start was at Longmeadow Sports and Social Club and the atmosphere was brilliant. They did us proud.

“Then the finish was at the White Hart and they did a great finish.”

Teams were also presented with trophies for their efforts on the day.

The award for Most Money Raised went to ‘No, Mr Bond, I expect you to die,’ who raked in £190.16 in donations. ‘Lads R Showmen’ won the Top Team Effort prize after performing a dance routine and ‘F’Ken Barbies’, who’s members each dressed up as Barbie and Ken dolls, scooped the Best Costume trophy.