DESPITE the cold weather, more than a dozen people flipped – and flopped – pancakes in a race on Cleethorpes seafront.
It was held yesterday by the Lincolnshire Food Festival to mark Shrove Tuesday, and it became a fiercely-fought contest.
Organiser Richard Lake said: "We wanted to raise some money for St Andrew's Hospice and also bring awareness to the food festival that will take place later in the year.
"It has been a long time since there was a pancake race in Cleethorpes; it is all good fun."
The winner was Emma Shadlock from the YMCA, in Peaks Lane, Grimsby.
"This is the first time I have won a race," she said. "I just ran as fast as I could, although I am tired out now.
"I came for a bit of fun and to get involved with a community activity. I am glad I won but it is all about the taking part."
Bridget Clarke, from Oxford, is staying with relatives in Cromwell Road, Cleethorpes, and said: "We came to visit my family and saw that this was on.
"My daughter Abigail is five today, so this is a real treat. She had four pancakes for breakfast and will be having some more later."
Abigail added: "I have been looking forward to the race because I am really good at them."
Julie Parkinson, the owner of the Parkinson Snack Bar, said: "I just saw out the window what was happening and came out and got involved; it is a really great idea.
"I will do anything for a bit of fun. The weather is not the warmest it could be but people still turned out."
Ginny Drant, head fryer at the Leaking Boot Restaurant, said: "We should have more fun events like this.
"It is a shame Shrove Tuesday is not at the weekend so more children could get involved."
Each person involved with the race made a small donation to take part.
Hospice volunteer Ron Day said: "We are extremely grateful for every penny because it costs £3 million to run the hospice every year.
"There are so many worthwhile causes out there so we have to get what we can."
The Lincolnshire Food Festival 2013 will be held at Meridian Park, Cleethorpes, on September 21 and 22.
