THE chequered flags were out in Watchet on Sunday when The Esplanade was again transformed into a mini F1 grid for the popular annual wheelbarrow race.

The race is among the highlights of the Watchet social events calendar and large crowds turned out to cheer on the competitors.

The atmosphere built in true F1-style with many teams being spotted walking the route in advance to check out the race line and the pit stop locations.

The town's 2014 carnival queen attendant Natasha Hunter and Watchet Mayor Peter Murphy were on hand to present the trophies to the winners.

First across the line in the men's section were Luke and Sam Coulson as the Weed Killers in a time of 5.36 mins.

They beat Ed Reeves and Ben Wilson into second place with a time of 5.58 mins and Ian Lowe and Connor Jeromson in third in 9.13 mins.

The winning ladies team was Harriet Gibbard and Rachael Dunlop in a time of 11.25 mins, with Adele Pitman and Lucy Corlett in second in 32.40 mins.

The first mixed team home was The Ellwoods, aka Sarah and Scott Ellwood in just 6.39 mins, with Hannah Griffith and Joa Jarman in second place in 9.37 mins and Steve Hawkins and Jill Newton third in 13.52 mins.

The prize for the best fancy dress went to Nick Groves and Debbie Stone as the Lego Winsor Builders, with Weed Killers Luke and Sam Coulson in second place and Daniel Allen and Daniel Battern third as Well I'll be Danned.

Thankfully the weather forecast was wrong and the pre-race presentations went ahead in front of a large crowd in the sunshine.

The first presentation was to Watchet's town crier Dave Milton, who, up until now, had had to borrow a bell from his predecessor Alec Danby.

Watchet LIVE, in conjunction with Richard and Chris Burnell of Parsonage Farm, the home of Watchet Music Festival, came up with the idea of buying a dedicated town bell.

It was presented to town mayor Cllr Murphy before it was blessed by Minister Carl Smethurst and then given to the town crier to perform his first official duty with the new bell of starting this year's race.

A spokesman for Watchet LIVE said the organisation was also proud to be able to continue to support the Children's Hospice South West and Stand against Speed 4 Bethany, with each receiving a cheque for £1,000 from Watchet Live director Jackie Bale.

Valerie Norman and Paula Hullett received the cheque on behalf of the Children's Hospice South West, while Mark and Helen Adams were there on behalf of their charity which was set up in memory of their daughter Bethany.

Mrs Bale said both groups were grateful for the donations and Watchet LIVE would continue to support both worthy causes, as well as Elliot's Touch, a charity that has been set up by Paul and Donna Stephens in memory of their little boy who died earlier this year.

Mrs Bale added: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who helped steward the race, Ben Prescott for the music, compering and sound effects and everyone who sold and bought raffle tickets and threw loose change in the collecting buckets.

"We would also like to thank all the spectators who turned out to watch this fabulous event - we really appreciate everyone's continued support; our events just wouldn't be the same without them!"

Future dates in the Watchet LIVE events and fundraising calendar include: a 'posh tea' – Saturday June 20, at the Phoenix Centre; carnival queen competition – Saturday June 27 at the Royal British Legion Club; carnival day on Sunday July 26 and the music festival on August 28 to 30.