TENSION mounted as the cars waited on the starting line. The audience poised to cheer them on.The British Championships was at stake and the speed and skill of the drivers would be put to the ultimate test.

TENSION mounted as the cars waited on the starting line. The audience poised to cheer them on.

The British Championships was at stake and the speed and skill of the drivers would be put to the ultimate test.

But this was no ordinary racing. It was the skills of the steadiest finger on the trigger and the speed around a course the size of a large table which determined the winner.

This was the British Slotstox Championship, brought to Great Blakenham Village Hall yesterday by Elite Racing Services.

This mini version of Superstox racing, a popular feature at Ipswich's Foxhall Stadium, attracted people from all over the country with all the frantic fury of the full-sized version.

Noel Whinney is chairman of the Great Blakenham Slotstox Club and he said that the day went extremely well.

"This is a great opportunity for people to put their skills to the test. It has all the fun of real stock car racing without the danger. It is Scalectrix meets stock cars," he said.

It is a sport that attracts people of all ages, including youngsters.

"When we started here in Great Blakenham it was at the relief of many parents. It gives the kids something to do in an area where there is not much on offer and so their parents know where they are. It is also not that expensive to start up," added Mr Whinney.

It seems this sport is not just confined to men. Women are getting involved to and giving the men a run for their money.

Lorraine Hunting is the fiancée of Mr Whinney. She has been competing for six years and said she really enjoyed it.

"It's the buzz you get going round the track. It was the second date he ever took me on and now I really enjoy it," she said.

Mark Banham is the chairman of the Foxhall club which is soon to move to Grundisburgh Village Hall. His club has been running for almost 18 years.

"We race every Friday night. It is friendly and a really good laugh. It is also a great chance to get rid of all your road rage in a far safer place," he laughed.

Children and adults alike wandered around the hall where stacks of model cars were on display and it was clear this was an event anyone could take part in.

David Howard, chairman of the Wisbech club, said it was the challenge that attracted many people.

"It is the skill needed to build the cars and then the challenge of actually racing that car which is a main attraction," he said.

The competition went on for most of the day until the new British champion emerged. And the title when to Ipswich racer Aaron Leek, of Chartwell Close.

Elite Racing Services, builders of Formula 2 and Superstox cars, sponsored the event which was also backed by the Evening Star.