THE organisers behind the Sticklepath Pram Race have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel the event.

The popular fundraising event has been running since 1977, when a group of local people including Mike Morley, Di Mason, Mike Savage, Herman Elson and Taz Hooper decided to put together an event to raise money for Sticklepath Playing Field to purchase some cricket equipment.

The support within the first year was so great that the funds easily covered the amount needed for the cricket gear, and money was left to donate to other organisations. The Sticklepath Sports and Social Club was set to run the pram race.

However, the club, which also initially set up the village's fireshow and summer ball, has seen a gradual decline in its activities, and the decision has now been made to cancel the event and dissolve the club.

One of the organisers, Paul Warne, said: 'Sadly with the 35th race only a few weeks away, we have decided to cancel the event permanently due to a gradual decline in numbers over the last few years, closure of some of the pubs which acted as check points, and sadly this year a couple of the remaining pubs wishing to not be involved in the event.

'The committee felt that the event and the sports club had run its course and should now bow out with dignity.

'Over the 34 years that the sports club and the pram race have been active, over £30,000 has been raised, all of which has been distributed among local good causes for young people and sports groups, including scouts, guides and brownies, army cadets, schools, and in our last year, Georgina Geikie.

Paul said the remaining monies held by the sports club had been awarded to St Mary's Church in Sticklepath, which received £500, and Sticklepath Playing Field which received just over £900.

'We felt these two bodies in our home village would benefit best from our parting gesture,' said Paul.

'Although the current format and committee has now been dissolved, the general feeling was that it would be sad to lose the event forever and that perhaps in a couple of years, a new pram race might be considered, with teams having to follow a treasure hunt trail rather than checking at pubs and to include forfeits as well as prizes.

'We'll see, watch this space.'

The madcap race saw fundraisers decorate prams of all shapes and sizes, racing them around the villages of Sticklepath and South Zeal. Entrants dressed up in fancy dress to embrace the feel-good spirit of the race.

Last year's event supported the Olympic dreams of Georgina Geikie, who represented Team GB at London 2012 in the 10m air pistol and the 25m sport pistol events.

The committee behind the pram race expressed thanks to everyone who made the event a success during its 34 years. In particular they thanked the pubs, St Austell Brewery, Reddaways Removals, Alan Balsdon, and particular thanks to Herman Elson, who has helped organise every race since its inception.

Organisers are also asking that the silverware awarded as prizes be returned to the Devonshire Inn, particularly the Jason McCaffery memorial cup.