IT was full speed ahead on the streets of Pill - as the annual Pram Race got under way. Locals donned multi-coloured wigs and ballerina's tutus, romper suits and skimpy nighties, and raced around the roads pushing prams, shopping trolleys and wheelbarrows for the popular Newport event.

First prize was taken this year by Oliver and Hailey Bryan, (pictured) the son and daughter of the landlady of the Alexandra pub in Commercial Road. Oliver, 21, and Hayley, 22, shared a prize of £50 and all the beer they could drink.

"We've been looking forward to the race for ages after winning it last year," said Mr Bryan. Church House landlord Mark Sedgwick shared the prize for the runner-up with his 'baby' Simon Partridge, of Alexandra Road.

"We are trying to raise awareness of the carnival, generate some community spirit, and get very hot and sweaty having a laugh," said the scarlet-wigged Mr Sedgwick.

But as competitors slaked their thirsts at the Church House, accusations of foul play were running wild.

"We were hoping for a steward's inquiry because we think our pram was nobbled," whispered Kerry Robinson, landlady of the Cambrian Inn, before darkly vowing that she would slash the tyres of her rivals next year.