WACKY racers will be reaching for their frying pans for Alton’s annual pancake race next week.

The traditional fun race takes place on Shrove Tuesday (February 21) in the Public Gardens and coincides with the school half-term holidays.

Registration for the event starts at 11am, with races from 11.30am for children and adults, plus team relay races for friends, families, community groups and businesses.

Promising a morning of “flipping good fun” for people of all ages, with fancy dress and blatant advertising encouraged, this is a non-competitive event, where prizes are not necessarily awarded to the fastest flipper but “to the person or team who embraces the event to the best of their ability and is a true good sport on the day.

Organised by Alton Town Council, there will be free hot pancakes to eat, provided by members of the churches in the Greater Alton project, while Faye Bobillier, owner of Alton’s Sweet Chocolate shop in Westbrook Walk, has once again donated the prizes.

Alton mayor Matthew Bayliss will be joined by Reverend David Hinks and Mrs Bobillier to judge the event and award prizes to the category winners, including best-dressed competitor.

Town council community and events chairman Bisi Eni-Olotu said: “What a great event to kick off Alton Town Council’s event calendar for 2017. I am looking forward to seeing lots of people get into the spirit of the pancake race and come along in their most spectacular fancy dress outfits.”

Entry forms are available from the town hall and from the Alton Herald office on the Market Square, or online at alton.gov.uk.

Completed forms, plus an entry fee of £1 per person, may be returned to Alton Town Council in advance, or you can register in the Public Gardens on the day.

Race participants are asked to bring along their own frying pan if possible, but pancakes will be provided.