Lunchtime on Shrove Tuesday saw Warwick Market Place full to bursting with children and local people competing in the annual pancake races organised by the Rotary Club of Warwick. They were cheered on by over 200 children and a crowd of parents and passers-by in the chill sunshine.

The organisers were delighted that after a break of a couple of years due to poor weather, the tradition was kept alive. First to race were a team from Warwick Racecourse against newcomers BSI Merch. Then Warwick Castle ran off against CJ Events, but in the end BSI Merch won the day and were awarded bottles of Bucks Fizz by Rotary President David Smith and Cllr John Holland.

Staff from the Globe Hotel circulated with a tray of small pancakes which were gratefully received by the waiting crowd. By then the square was filling with excited children from 9 local Primary schools with the new Aylesford Primary Yr 2’s joining in for the first time.  Warwick Councillor John Holland then set off the first of 32 teams from the schools who ran up and down the square flipping pancakes as they went.

Aylesford made a good showing winning 2 of the heats for Yr 2’s, but in the end Coten Ends “Perfect Pancakes” team triumphed. Year 6 races were also dominated by Coten End school whose team ”Red Racers” beat Newburgh in their final.

Cllr John Holland, accompanied by Melissa Hazell, Community co-ordinator from Tesco, presented the prizes, donated by Tesco, including Pancake ingredients and cream eggs.

Rotary President David Smith said “we were delighted that the day turned out so well, it was really buzzing with so much energy from all the children. This is one of the events we arrange for the local community and we are delighted that local businesses have joined in this year”

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