Flipping good fun for everyone as traditional pancake race takes to streets of Stafford

More than one hundred people turned out to watch the teams of four compete on a makeshift course in Stafford's Market Square.

Some of the competitors took part in fancy dress with the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Frank James, getting proceedings underway at 12.30pm on a sunny afternoon.

The relay race requires the runners to flip their pancakes twice, both up and down the course, with the winners from the heats going through to the grand final.

And in an agonisingly close final, Stafford Building Society just edged out Stafford-based Nowell Mellor Solicitors to claim the first prize,  the winner’s frying pan. 

The team from Historic Stafford picked up the wooden spoon after finishing last.

Representatives from the event’s host radio station, Vibe 1, Bizarre Balloons and Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance also joined in on the day.

The event was organised by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Stafford Borough Council and always proves popular with residents and shoppers.

Councillor James, said: “It was a lovely fun event and I was pleased to see so many local people and children around the Square to enjoy the race on a beautiful afternoon in the county town. 

“Thank you to the organisers, and the teams, - and also the enthusiastic crowd who cheered on all the competitors.”

Laura Morris, from Freedom Leisure, said: “The annual pancake race is always popular and it was great to see all the smiles from our flippers and those who came out to watch. 

"I’m sure everyone enjoyed themselves and it is great to hear the positive comments from both those competing and the spectators.”