DEVIZES Town Council has taken over this year's traditional pancake races on February 17 but cash raised will still go to Age UK Wiltshire.

Pancake racing was first brought to the town by the charity under its former name Age Concern Wiltshire in 2007 as a fun event for businesses in the Market Place.

But last year the town council became involved and it moved to a half-term slot in Hillworth Park and proved hugely popular with young and old alike.

This year the charity was struggling to organise the event and the council's direct services manager Sarah Williams and the Hillworth Park team stepped in.

Mrs Williams said: "Last year's event held at half term for the first time was so successful and it would have been a shame if there had been a gap for a year now the momentum had been built up.

"We decided to take it on and we have already had a positive event from parents and businesses. Age UK Wiltshire will still be involved and all the money raised will go to them."

The move from the Market Place to the park meant the event became more family friendly and children from as young as three took part flipping their pancakes on a course marked with sports day style lines.

Mrs Williams said: "We will do children's races in age groups and have a parents race as well. They don't need to register in advance but just turn up on the day. There will be prizes and the cafe will be open. But if businesses want to take part we would like to hear from them in advance. We hope they will make a donation to the charity instead of an entrance fee."

Age UK Wiltshire chief executive Brian Deeley said that he was very grateful to the town council for taking on the races. He said: "We had to look at our resources and make the difficult decision that we could not organise the event this year because of the man hours involved and the extra demands on our services at the moment.
"But we will be there on the day and we hope lots of people will support the event."

Races will be held between noon and 2pm. To find out more or to register a team email sarah.williams@devizes-tc.gov.uk