Thrills, speed at Whareama derby

POWER: Richard and Oscar Sandall in their pirate rocket ship.

A rip-snorting field of 15 hand-built speed machines lined up to race at the inaugural Whareama School Trolley Derby.

Principal Darren Kerr said the afternoon of high octane fun brought together trolleys the pupils at the rural school had been manufacturing over the past few months and was run despite drizzly weather on the Langdale Hill Rd on Thursday.

"The day came about from the kids learning about production and processes in the inquiry learning unit this term. They all have been making them over the term with parents in their sheds at home."

Alec Birch, the Masterton District Council rural roading engineer, oversaw the closure of the section of road on which the races were run, with the seniors racing from the top of the incline and juniors battling it out on the last 200 metres of the course.

"A few game juniors also ventured to the top for a run at the end of the day," he said.

"We are looking at an annual event now because everyone had so much fun.

"Another community-based event that bought everyone together for a fun afternoon."

Jesse Hunton was the over-all winner of the inaugural race and received his trophy at a prize-giving and afternoon tea at the school for winners on the day.