AN annual tradition dating back to the 14th century has raised thousands for two charities.

The greatly supported Ponteland Annual New Year's Day Wheelbarrow Race has been hailed a success.

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Hexham Courant: The annual Wheelbarrow race in PontelandThe annual Wheelbarrow race in Ponteland (Image: Colin Morgan - Leisurepics.co.uk)

It is thought the event goes back 700 years to the 14th century and has taken place nearly every year in past decades, except for when there were major wars or a pandemic.

This year, 44 teams took part and were watched by crowds on a relatively warm and sunny day.

Hexham Courant: The wheelbarrow race The wheelbarrow race (Image: Colin Morgan - Leisurepics.co.uk)

The mile-long circular route, which begins at 12pm at the Blackbird pub, includes an Open Race, a Ladies' Race introduced in 2016, and a Junior Race.

Adult teams pay £10 to enter, while children's teams pay £5, and spectators are encouraged to make a donation.

Competitors are encouraged to don fancy dress for the race, which usually raises thousands for worthwhile causes.

Hexham Courant: The Junior wheelbarrow race The Junior wheelbarrow race (Image: Colin Morgan - Leisurepics.co.uk)

The Open Race was won by James Leiper and Robert Holt, well ahead of the rest of the field, in six minutes, 20 seconds. The fastest ever time of six minutes 18 seconds was recorded back in 1983. Second were Richard and Ella Leiper and third were Jack and Daniel Johnson.

Hexham Courant: David Taylor, with an appliance strapped to his back, pushes Clare Richardson around the course to raise money for St Oswald’s HospiceDavid Taylor, with an appliance strapped to his back, pushes Clare Richardson around the course to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice (Image: Colin Morgan - Leisurepics.co.uk)

The Ladies' Race was won by Caitlin Flanagan and Erin Bright in seven minutes, 46 seconds, which is the second fastest ever recorded time for the Ladies' Race. Second was previous multiple winner Joanne Shallcross with Sarah McDougle, and third were Charlotte Naughton and Louisa Hamilton.

Hexham Courant: Competitors in the wheelbarrow raceCompetitors in the wheelbarrow race (Image: Colin Morgan - Leisurepics.co.uk)

The Junior Race was won by Cate and Millie Johnson. Second were Stephen Scope-Wilson and Joe Lin and third were Ella and John Leiper, of the Leiper family.

The race is organised by Ponteland 41 Club and Ponteland Rugby Club, with support from The Blackbird Inn.

Hexham Courant: Dave Taylor, with a fridge strapped to his back, with junior competitorsDave Taylor, with a fridge strapped to his back, with junior competitors (Image: Colin Morgan - Leisurepics.co.uk)

Through sponsorship and entry fees, more than £3,000 was raised which will be donated to St. Oswald's Hospice and Tynedale Hospice at Home.

Hexham Courant: During the wheelbarrow race During the wheelbarrow race (Image: Colin Morgan - Leisurepics.co.uk)

Anybody who would like to sponsor a wheelbarrow in next year's race should contact Andy Lawson at andrew_lawson@btconnect.com or on 07989 355 557.