TEENAGERS are being urged to sign up for this summer's British Pedal Car Grand Prix.

A total of 14 teams have so far signed up for the Daily Echo-backed event but the tally includes just one junior entry.

Now organisers are urging more people aged between 12 and 17 to come forward.

Thousands are expected to line the streets of Ringwood on July 8 to watch a crazy collection of homemade vehicles compete in the race.

Market Square and other roads in the town centre will be closed to traffic to enable the two-hour contest to take place.

Race director Tony Butterworth said: “We’ve had 14 entries in just over a week but only one junior entry.

“I’d like to see a few more junior entries - we normally end up with six or eight.”

Mr Butterworth is one of the event’s most successful competitors but has been forced to pull out of this year’s race after breaking his collar bone in a quad bike accident.

He said: “I always compete in the event and my car has finished second overall in the past two years.

“We’re hoping to go one better this year but I won’t be pedalling.

“I’m on codeine for the pain and I’m going into hospital next week to have my collar bone pinned and plated.”

The pedal cars will be on show at the Furlong Centre between 10am and 2.30pm, with the race itself starting at 3pm.

Spectators will be able to walk along the course and watch the action from various vantage points.

The race alternates between two venues, with New Milton hosting it one year and Ringwood the next.

This year’s main sponsor is Ringwood Brewery, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Mr Butterworth said: “Thousands of people turn up to watch, with most people picking their favourite car and cheering it on. It’s always a lot of fun and generates a carnival-type atmosphere.”

Anyone wishing to enter the event can do so via its website or Facebook page.