IT will be all hands to the pump again as more than 20 teams slog it out along the railway track at the South Devon Railway on Saturday (February 6).

They will race one mile along the historic Buckfastleigh track on a railway cart powered by pure muscle in an attempt to oust Buckfastleigh White Watch Fire Crew from last year’s winning spot. All funds will help keep Buckfastleigh Open Air Pool open this year.

Races start at Buckfastleigh Station at 10am and there will also be live music, a barbecue and refreshments, rare breeds, tombola and a car boot fair.

Event organiser Clair Stevens said: ‘I wanted to organise a fundraiser for the pool to show our appreciation for the hard work the pool committee and volunteers have put into saving and managing our community pool.

‘My family has used that pool for generations, and the town would be lost without it. We’ve been working with South Devon Railway, who’ve been incredibly supportive and generous with their time and facilities, to create a fun day out for the whole community.’

Last year’s All hands to the pump raised nearly £2,000 towards the running costs of the pool and it is hoped that even more will be raised in its second year, with more teams competing.

Among those taking part are the fire and police service; Devon Cave Rescue; Buckfastleigh Primary School; Buckfastleigh Co-op; Buckfastleigh Ramblers RFC; Gilpin; BYC Vets; Stagecoach; Rainbow International; The Mill; The Globe Inn; and the National Marine Aquarium.

Cllr Pam Barrett, Victoria Park Trustees chairman and Buckfastleigh deputy mayor, said: ‘It’s great to see the community come out and support this brilliantly imaginative event and the trustees are very grateful to Clair Stevens, Chris Williams and John Brodribb at South Devon Railway, the teams and all those involved in making this such a success.

‘We’ve been very fortunate to have secured funding to repair and improve the pool and park, but it’s essential that we also raise money to pay the annual running costs of the pool. This fundraiser really helps us keep the pool open.’