DRIVERS are reminded to avoid Railway Road and Market Street in Darwen on Sunday as they will be closed for the pedal car grand prix.

The fourth annual event, which sees teams race around a town centre circuit, has been split into separate categories for the first time.

The route starts in Railway Road, close to Holker House, and heads through the bus station, along Market Street and back around to come back through the bus station to the starting line.

The main race will be the usual two-hour relay, setting off at 1.30pm and featuring only homemade pedal cars, while a shorter fun race involving council-provided ready-made cars will take place in the middle.

Teams already signed up for the race include the regular competitors from the Bridgewater pub and Crown Paints.

And for the first time, Darwen’s firefighters have entered a car, and the 105th Manchester Scouts pedal car team, a big name on the national circuit, has entered five cars.

Organiser Phil Jones said: “This promises to be the best event we have ever had, but in order for it to take place we have to close off some streets.

“People need to bear this in mind when planning journeys on Sunday.

“It will no doubt be a fantastic day for all the family to come down and watch the spectacle.”