IT is a tradition that’s been having a bit of a snooze.

But last night Romsey Bed Race was back.

Having been stopped in its tracks by red tape in 1996 the wacky four-wheeled fundraiser, which started in 1958, was revived as part of the town’s carnival week.

The race started in Alma Road car park before passing through The Hundred where the beds received a soaking.

However the competitors had no time to dry off as they dashed past Romsey Abbey – where the congregation gave them an impromptu baptism.

Firefighters then turned their hoses on the beds before they received a pasting as they hit the Market Place, this time with custard pies.

Romsey Mayor Cllr Ian Richards said: “It was excellent, simple fun. It shows we can still run events without too much red tape.”

The winners were a team from Romsey Royal Mail with their Postman Pat bed. But best dressed bed went to the Bishop Blaize pub with their pirate theme.