Finland's south Karelia region may be famous for its outstanding natural beauty but this July tourists may have another reason to linger in the area.

The small town of Ruokolahto plays host to the annual Old Geezer Carting World Championships on the 26th, where couples race around a 200 metre obstacle course in traditional milk carts.

While the women push, their male teammates have the luxury of sitting back and enjoying the ride.

New to the 2008 event is the Souped-Up Milk Cart Competition, in which entrants are encouraged to decorate and modify their vehicles for exhibition alongside the main event.

After the prizes have been awarded, visitors have the added treat of listening to music at the SavottaRock concert, featuring a slew of local bands.

Ruokolahti has around 6,000 inhabitants but the population doubles in summer when holidaymakers invade to occupy some 3,000 summer cottages in the region.