The snow of the previous week with temperatures of -12 degrees were forgotten on New Years morning, as the warm, dry weather drew huge crowds to Ponteland for the Annual Wheelbarrow Race.
The crowds were so large that the start of the race was delayed as competitors had difficulty reaching the start of the race with their wheelbarrows.
Local businessman Jonathan Goodwill was the “Lord Mayor” for the day, and started the main race prior to the under 14’s race.
The main race was again won by Marcus Welch of Riding Mill. This year he was partnered by his brother James, as his partner of last year, David Jefferies, was unavailable. Last year it took them 7mins 33 secs to complete the course. This year they did the same course in 7mins 16secs.
Local boys Daniel Brown, and Connor Haley (top pic below) were the winners of the Junior race.
One addition to this years race that was warmly received was the provision of hot drinks and bacon sandwiches by the Blackbird Inn.
