Another fine day, probably too hot for the competitors, saw the Marple Firefighters' 2nd Firkin Challenge get off to a flying start. This year five teams of four competed to see who could carry a 'Pin' rather than a 'Firkin' full of water to Mellor Cross and back in the fastest time (does that break the trade descriptions act?). The teams were set off from Marple Recreation Ground at 2 minute intervals by retiring Carnival Royalty Anna and Sarah and Carnival Queen Elect Jodie. This was followed by the really hard work of waiting for them to get back - it's not easy for the spectators either you know!

Unfortunately last year's winners, the 'League of non-Gentlemen', couldn't attend to defend their title, some feeble excuse about a stag do abroad apparently! So it was left to last year's runners up, Marple's Firefighting team running under the name of 'Bubble Head', to set the pace. They certainly did that, winning in a new record time of 1 hour 8 minutes and 28 seconds.

Anna, Sarah and Jodie plus incoming Carnival Princess Rebecca presented the teams with their trophies and commemorative glasses and everyone then retired to the Navigation Inn for free beer and sandwiches. The following photographs show the days events in chronological order. Well done to everyone involved!

Great weather and a good turnout for Marple's first ever 'Firkin' Challenge. The event was organised by Marple's Firefighters and consisted of teams of up to eight members carrying a 'Firkin' of Ale from Marple Recreation Ground to Mellor Cross and back again in the fastest possible time. Money raised was shared between the Marple Carnival Charities Committee and the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund.

The five brave teams taking part represented the Hatters' Arms, The Royal Oak (Mellor), The Little Mill at Rowarth, 'The League of Non-gentleman' and Marple Fire Fighters. The teams were set off at five minute intervals by Councillor Shan Alexander and 2006 Carnival Queen Anna and Carnival Princess Sarah.

The event was won in a fantastic time of 1 hour and 13 minutes by the 'League of Non-Gentlemen' but Marple's Firefighters took only 10 seconds longer, and immediately challenged the gents to a return next year. Let's hope that this is the start of a great new Marple Community Event that can grow into something as popular the Raft Race started by the Firefighters many years ago.

The Hatters' Team took 1st prize for the best fancy dress and everyone who took part received a commemorative pint glass and free beer and sandwiches at the Navigation Pub. The winners' Trophy was presented by retiring Carnival Princess Rachel.

The Royal Oak put on a spurt

Did the Hatters sell their soul to finish?

The Little Mill Team cross the line	The Hatters celebrate finishing
and winning the fancy dress	Will somebody fill the Oak team's glasses?
Cheers!	Runners up by 10 seconds
The ungentlemanly winners	Princess Rachel presents the Trophy

Thank you to Marple Firefighters for organising this excellent event!