Nelson Summer Festival Trolley Derby

Down in the South Island, Nelson's summer festival speeds up with the anual Trolley race right down the side of our very own Grampian villa.

Thousands of trolley enthusiasts who flocked to Saturday's event were treated to free iceblocks and a dizzying display of downhill dare devilry from this year's 70-odd competitors.

In sweltering conditions, reigning champion of four years Sam Laidlaw proved hard to beat, again taking out the coveted King of the Hill title with a blistering top speed of 65kmh aboard his own creation, Blue Bullet.

But he had to settle for a tie, as upstart Tim Bayley was equal to the task on his RedRak Racer.

Mr Laidlaw was adamant about what kept him coming back year after year.

"I just love trolleys. There's nothing like it, it's the highlight of my year.

"Trolleys are great - using gravity, the science of it - there's more to it than you think."

Also competitive was 52-year-old Dave Lewis aboard the impressive looking Silver Ghost, which he said took more than a year to design and build.

"You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever."

Mr Lewis, sporting an old-fashioned flying helmet and goggles, said he had hoped the Nelson sea breeze would die away so the pack could try for the standing derby speed record of 73kmh - set two years ago by Mr Laidlaw.

Not to be outdone, Green MP Mike Ward made an appearance for the Parliamentary Racing Team aboard his familiar low riding tricycle - fittingly nicknamed the Kyoto Klipper. And Steve Steele wowed onlookers by taking a nail-biting solo run from the steep top end of Collingwood St on-board his demonic trike, Bat Dad.

Mr Ward also judged that Brian (Fangio) Smith in his 1025 Bugatti replica was the winner of the new style meister section.

Event coordinator Antony Hodgson said the derby, running "on and off'' for the last 50 years, was a great family day out and a chance for Nelson speed freaks to step up to the mark.

"Even with all these really flash trolleys, I still want to see the seven to 11-year-olds, with a bit of help from mum and dad, build simple trolleys and get the chance to race them on the street."