TWO new teams are putting the finishing touches to their mean machines as they gear up for this year’s Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge.

York BID street rangers are taking part in next weekend's event to raise money for volunteers at York Rescue Boat, the independent search and rescue charity.

Operations manager, Jack Milner, said: “We work with them quite often. It will be good fun and we’re aiming to raise £300.

“Our driver has no fear and we’re in it to win it.”

To help them on their way to their fundraising target visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/yorkbidrangers .

Meanwhile, the York arm of the Ambulance Wish Foundation (AWF), which grants terminally ill patients' final wishes, is unveiling its soapbox challenge entry at a family fun day next weekend.

The cart has form - it came fourth for Mark Roberts Engineering in last year’s race, but has since undergone “top-secret” modifications by Mark himself, who is sponsoring the AWF cart alongside Binnington & Thurling Opticians.

Joanne Regan Hunter, also described as “fearless”, will be driving the cart this year.

To raise funds, the charity is holding a sweepstake for its fastest lap. To enter and donate go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/YorkSoapBoxAWF-UK.

The AWF fun day is at the Derwent Arms in Osbaldwick on Saturday, August 25, from 11am-4pm.

The Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge main event takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27, from 10am-5pm.

If you know someone who would like a wish go to www.ambulancewishfoundation.org.uk. All wishes are considered, big or small.