READY, steady, go!

Ringwood will be transformed into a mini Monte Carlo next month for the 25th British Pedal Car Grand Prix.

Sixty five teams have signed up for the nerve-shredding ride on July 15, which sees pedal cars shuttle round the town at breakneck speeds.

Around 11,500 people turn out to watch from the race circuit sidelines.

Former race director of six years, Cliff Polton, lovingly crafts the comic pedal cars at his Royce UK workshop in New Milton.

Mr Polton, 66, has been taking part in the bi-annual event since 1993.

He also makes parts for aeroplanes, including Spitfires, and specialist cars, plus Olympic gold medallists Chris Boardman and Nicole Cooke.

Mr Polton said: “It’s silly, such good fun. It’s very physical, there’s a lot of exertion and it’s very entertaining for the crowd.

“I cannot help but have a smile on my face when I’m in a pedal car.

“It’s everything you could dream of really.”

Mr Polton’s three sons and one daughter return from all over the world for the Grand Prix. A pedal car takes around six weeks to make and can cost around £3,500 – 4,000.

Four pedal cars adorn the Royce UK workshop walls, and mechanics are busy constructing a new car for Superior Seals, at Three Legged Cross.

Mr Polton says the ideal pedal car is built from high tensile steel, weighs 22kg and has a six-inch thick cushion.

He said: “These things can go around corners like they’re on rails.

“You go flat out: your heart rate is far over what it should be and your heart’s racing.

“It’s extremely exciting.”

Last year, one of the Royce UK team members crashed and cut his leg – but carried on.

Peter Nicholson, a mechanic for another team, said: “It’s a big, good fun event. It’s very exciting and we shut the road like in Monte Carlo.”