THE force was strong in Ropley this weekend as two Star Wars-themed prams rocketed through the village's 51st annual pram race.

In first place were Alfie Bougard and George Wickens, with a time of 15 minutes 52 seconds. Harry and Peter Hailwood were second, while Ellis and Alexander Williams came third.

The prize for the best fancy dress went to Oliver Ferrari and Serge and Gabriel Wynne, with their 'amazing' Star Wars rocket ship outfit.

Both an X-Wing fighter and Han Solo's Millenium Falcon made their way around the 2.2-mile course.

Daily Echo:

Ropley resident since 1965 and participant since the second pram race, committee leader Tim Day thought the unusually strong wind could have had a hand in the slower finish times - with the best runners usually doing the course in approximately 13 minutes.

He said: "Considering it was a bit chilly it was socially very good. Although we were down on last year it was still a good turn out and there were a lot of youngsters which is good.

"There were about 90 per cent in fancy dress."

The event, which also finished with a dog show, saw around 200 people turn up.