Young and old had a flipping good time at Devizes’ pancake races on Tuesday.

Despite being bitterly cold, organisers said there was a good turnout, the half-term holiday helping to boost the numbers of children.

This was the seventh year of the races, organised by Age UK Wiltshire and held in the Market Place.

There were fewer adult teams than expected, due to some being held up in meetings and arriving too late.

This meant there were two races featuring Awdry Bailey and Douglas – last year’s champions – the Black Swan and Curves, while the other race featured Wilkinsons and Community First.

Awdry Bailey and Douglas won their heat and in the other heat the Wilkinsons team, comprising four men in their late teens and early twenties, won despite one member Chris Simons slipping over spectacularly after he dropped his pancake.

In the final Mr Simons, 22, again fell over but his teammates – Tommie Maddox, Jordan Welsby and Kieron Robinson – powered on to victory.

The cause of Mr Simons’ tumbles was due to him wearing normal shoes and not trainers.

He said: “I was not clever enough to bring trainers, but it proved how good we were that we overcame obstacles.”

The children’s races were fun for all, with some youngsters not bothered about winning but enjoying the thrill of trying to run and toss their pancake.

One youngster was Charlie Elder, four, of Southbroom Infants School, who was dressed up as the children’s character Sportacus and was taking part for the third year.

Devizes Mayor Kelvin Nash challenged his wife, Pam, and former mayor Sue Evans to a race and they all skillfully managed not to drop their pancakes.

Coun Nash had never been to the event before, due to working away, and he said: “It’s brilliant and it’s great so many children took part.

“It’s a very worthy cause to support and I wish them all the best.”

Pancakes were supplied by the Black Swan Hotel and a good number were sold along with refreshments. A raffle was also held.

Brian Deeley, chief executive of Age UK Wiltshire, said: “It’s a lot busier than last year and the weather has been kind.

“Pancakes sold very well and every penny raised stays in Wiltshire.”