Pushing for a whacky race

The Boxing Day tradition will again take place at 11am from outside Nyetimber Mill in Pagham Road.

But this year's event will be the first to be linked to the internet.

The organisers of the annual occasion are moving it into the 21st century while retaining the features which have made it probably the oldest pram race in the world.

Organising committee chairman Tim Holland said: "This will be our 62nd year and the race promises to be as popular as ever.

"We usually get 45-50 pairs taking part each year and I don't see it being any different now.

"We would like to see more people in fancy dress and more younger people taking part but we are always glad to see such a good turnout."

He said announcements would be made at the race about the compilation of the website.

"We are moving with the times," he explained.

"There have been so many fantastic entries over the years that we thought they should be recorded for posterity.

"We want to create the history of the pram race with lots of illustrations from its origins to the present day.

"This will enable everyone to find out more about what we consider to be the oldest continuously-held pram race in the world. "

The race was begun in 1946 by servicemen returning from the second world war. Its format has stayed unchanged.

After the start, the racers have to down a pint of beer each at The Bear, The Lamb and the King's Beach Hotel as they complete a three-mile course before they cross the finishing line back at The Lamb in Pagham Road.

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