It's wheely happening! Relief as new year race is on

THE Ponteland wheelbarrow race on New Year's Day is now set to go ahead after money was raised to save the 700-year-old event.

- OWEN YOUNGER

The annual tradition dates back to the 14th century with the next instalment set to have a new route.

Increased costs following a change in the law, which requires a certified traffic management company to be brought in due to road closures, initially left a question mark over whether this year’s event would be able to go ahead as planned.