ENERGETIC competitors sprinted down The Grove with their frying pans in the annual Ilkley Pancake Races today.
Despite grey and drizzly conditions, hundreds of children from schools in and around Ilkley came out for the annual event, organised by the Rotary Club of Ilkley.
The children's races, including a section devoted entirely to Ilkley Grammar School students, were followed by races for grown-ups after midday.
The event is usually held on Shrove Tuesday, but schools are on their half term break next week.
As usual, competitors had to run down a stretch of The Grove, which was closed to traffic for the morning, clutching a frying pan and a pancake - provided by Bettys - and flip the pancake once before they crossed the finish line.
Winners were presented with chocolate medallions and t-shirts.
Geoffrey Maldwyn Jones, of Ilkley Rotary Club, said: "The turnout is very good, in fact it's been better than normal."
The annual races are now well established, having taken place for more than five years, and are well supported by local primary schools and independent schools. The schools each send teams of eight pupils, as well as staff to supervise them.
Many parents and passers-by lined The Grove to show their support and watch the races in progress.
Ilkley Grammar School loaned the Rotary Club a vehicle and driver to support the races, and dozens of Rotarians volunteered to help marshal the event, keeping the individual races running smoothly and making sure the winners received their prizes.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article