HUNDREDS of spectators gathered in Alcester town centre on Tuesday as the community marked Shrove Tuesday with its annual pancake races.
Organised by the town’s court leet for more than half a century, the event saw dozens of competitors sprint from the bottom of High Street up to the finishing line St Nicholas’ Church.
There were plenty of categories for all ages including an accessible race for people with learning disabilities, a hotly-contested pub relay and one which pitted business against business.
The Turk’s Head managed to successfully defend its crown as pub relay champs and homegrown talent from engineering company Calgavin scooped the business category.
A race of court leet officers included a special appearance from Warwick town crier Michael Reddy and was won by low bailiff Marc Venables.
High bailiff Sharon Constable told the Standard she thought there had been a record turnout: “The sun shone and it matched the feeling of everyone on High Street. The excitement was palpable and that wasn’t just the children.
“We ran out of small eggs which led to an emergency dash to the corner shop to make sure every child received something.
“The community spirit and goodwill throughout the town was heartwarming.”
She expressed her thanks to the court leet officers, businesses, sponsors and volunteers who had made the event possible. And to Lord Hertford, the Alcester mayor Councillor David Henderson and his consort for handing the prizes.
