TEAMS of intrepid pancake racers are being sought for a flippin’ fabulous charity challenge in Bradford.

Bradford Cathedral is staging the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race on February 25, with support from Bradford Business Improvement District (BID).

Staff in shops, offices and other workplaces are being urged to use their lunch hours to team up and take on other challengers in the event, which will take place in Centenary Square, from 12.30 to 1.30pm.

Teams of four will compete in a series of four heats over four laps of the 140-metre course with the top four groups going into the grand final for the pancake race winners’ trophy.

The Very Reverend Jerry Lepine (pictured, right), Dean of Bradford, said: “It’s great for us to be working with Bradford BID on the Shrove Tuesday pancake race. It’s important for us, at Bradford Cathedral, to reach out into the community and running the race in Centenary Square is an exciting prospect for us.

“We hope that the businesses, charities and groups from the Bradford district come together to support the event to raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, as well as lots coming down to watch and cheer the teams on.

“It’s a chance for everyone to enjoy some fun competition on Shrove Tuesday, before we enter the more reflective period of Lent marked by many other events and services at Bradford Cathedral.

“I look forward to seeing how the teams perform during the races and who gets the trophy!”

Bradford BID manager Jonny Noble said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting this event which is a great way to bring people together in the heart of Bradford and bring some fun to a busy weekday.

“It also fits in well with the Mini-Mardi Gras carnival which is taking place over the same period and which traditionally ends with Shrove Tuesday.

“It’s a brilliant way to raise money for charity but teams who want to enter need to be quick; there’s only room for 16 teams so you need to sign up as soon as you can!”

Anyone who wishes to take part can sign up at: pancake-race.eventbrite.co.uk.

Pancake Race FactFile

• Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is the day before the start of Lent. “Shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive” which means to win absolution for one’s sins by confessing and doing penance. It always occurs exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday.

• Pancakes come from the practice of eating up rich, fatty foods – including eggs, milk and sugar – before ritual fasting starts for 40 days on Ash Wednesday. The term Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday.”

• Pancake races are thought to have started in 1445 after a housewife from Olney, in Buckinghamshire, is said to have been so busy making pancakes she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the Shrove Tuesday service. Legend has it that she rushed out of the house to the church still carrying her frying pan, tossing the pancake to prevent it from burning!