ONE of Hampshire's strangest village traditions is still going strong after 50 years.
Ropley Pram Race attracted dozens of participants on Bank Holiday Monday as it celebrated its golden anniversary.
Crowds watched on as costumed contestants navigated the leafy lanes of the village near Alresford, starting and finishing at the recreation ground.
Harry Woollhead, a local builder who was one of four to take part in the first race in 1965, returned to the pram to mark the occasion.
The variety of contraptions and costumes was almost endless.
Many taking part were in fancy dress, including duo Alfie Bougard and George Wickens, both 13. They took part wearing one piece blue body suits.
Helena Morgan, with her dad Neil Morgan, also adopted fancy dress. They took on a suitable Wacky Races theme, dressing as Dick Dastardly and his canine sidekick Muttley.
The bizarre cast of characters was rounded off by Emma Leffer-Smith, Lilli Wharfe and Darcy Wynne, all eight, who hopped in the 'Wonka car' as Oompa Loompas from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Some 1960s prams with chrome wheels were dusted off from the garage, while others used modern-day baby carriers The race's equally colourful history was on show with a display of photographs and memorabilia from the last 50 years.
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