A TRADITIONAL annual event is returning to Cowes this year.

The memorial pram race has taken on a more carnival type of atmosphere in recent years with the course shortened and it becoming more a push than a race.

The event has been running more than 40 years.

It started in the memory of Dorrie Simmons, a local woman who died of cancer. In 1979 the regulars of the now defunct Britannia pub wanted to raise money for the Macmillan nurses who gave the family great support.

The most raised for the Dorrie Simmons Memorial Foundation was in 1984 when £14,000 was raised in sponsorship and £2,500 collected on the day.

One of the event's most prolific fundraisers was Mez Blackwell, who died of cancer several years ago and also received great support from Macmillan.

The word 'pram' is used loosely — previous entries have included deckchairs on wheels, dustbins, oil drums and a mini chassis — so long as it can be pushed.

Anyone who wants to join in this year should muster from 10.30am at Cowes Town Square outside the Painters Arms on August 28, for a 12 noon start.

There will be a party afterwards.