THESE Wacky Racers took on a two-mile sprint through Ferndown at the weekend to raise cash for good causes.

But their charity dash wasn’t as straightforward as you might imagine.

For each team of five – complete with their own ‘baby’ – were taking part in the second annual Ferndown Pram Race.

And that meant these pirates, convicts, nuns and giant bananas had much more to worry about than just running.

The challenge sees teams stop at a number of points to down pints of liquid and complete forfeits, including having their hair styled.

For 27-year-old John Baxter and friends, the race held no fears.

“We did this last year dressed as hillbillies and came in third, so we’d love to do better than that this time,” he said.

“We’ve decided to come as pirates this year, and our pram is a pirate ship. We’re raising money for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, because they’re great.”

A nervous-looking Kath Goward joined other members of the Parley Rotary club at the starting line.

She said: “It’s our first time running it this year – and it might well be our last, the way we’re feeling.

“I’m really frightened about it now, but we’re having a great time and just want to get round unscathed.”

Jason Stroud and friends built Penelope Pitstop’s infamous pink car in less than a week after an eleventh-hour decision to sign up.

“We made the decision on Tuesday and here we are today,” he said.

“We’re ready I think. We just want to get started now and have some fun.”

Organiser Cllr Tony Brown started the race at the Old Thatch in Wimborne Road West before teams dashed towards the town centre, finishing with a pint at White Heather pub in Ringwood Road.

He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic.

“We’ve had such a party atmosphere here since 11am today – people are having a great time already. We’ve got more than 100 runners this year, with 60 volunteer marshals lining the route, so it’s been so well supported.”