IT’S fast becoming Wimborne’s very own nutty Grand Prix.

Three years ago, a gang of five pals dragged their lawnmowers out of their sheds, dusted them off, and started racing them around for fun – and to remember a friend they’d lost to cancer.

A whopping £15,000 for charity and a whole lot of mud later, ‘Mower Madness’ attracts around 45 riders and a big crowd turns out to watch.

The heat is on for the first meet of the season at The Barley Mow, in Colehill, from Friday April 6 to Monday April 9.

Enthusiasts are already polishing their pimped-up mowers ahead of the 2.4-hour Le Mans style endurance event, where it’s all about how many laps you do.

All participants need is a sit-on lawnmower – without blades – and a bit of grim determination to weave round the course made of hay bales, tyres and table tops.

Mower mad Jayne Chick, 46, said: “There are real team tactics involved. If you’ve got a slower mower you can go slow and steady but stay consistent and go round loads of times.

“Others speed round fast and blow the engine up after half an hour.”

She added: “Some people ride the whole race on their own, but you end up with a very sore bottom. Going up and down on a bumpy mower for that long is hard work.”

The Wacky Races-style fun started in memory of Michelle Bargery, who died in 2007 aged 28, and the event is the brainchild of her widower Stephen, Uncle Colin Poore and buddy Stephen Bell.

Last year funds went to The Jigsaw Appeal at Bournemouth Hospital, the Friends of Victoria Hospital, Wimborne, The Rifles pot for wounded soldiers and Transverse Myelitis cancer support, in Poole.

The season finale made £1,067.

Just nine mowers were still going at the end, from 35 that lined up on the starting grid.

Speedway stars Darcy Ward and Chris Holder took part, but fell foul of the non-contact sport’s rules.

“The lads were very enthusiastic but there are certain rules to this mower racing business,” Jayne, from Corfe Mullen, said.

“They might be excellent at riding speedway bikes but have a lot to learn about mower racing.”

Potential lawn mower maniacs or event sponsors can get in touch with Jayne by emailing jaynechick@btinternet.com