DEVIZES Mayor Nigel Carter dressed to beat the elements when he got Devizes pancake races underway on Tuesday.

Mr Carter, whose job as an environmental consultant takes him all over the world, was not going to let a bit wind and rain hamper his efforts with a pancake and frying pan in Hillworth Park.

Devizes Town Council decided the races would go ahead whatever the weather as it did not want to disappoint families who had kept the date in their diaries for a number of weeks.

The free event drew people of all ages to the park to show their prowess as running and flipping on a course set up in the tennis court.

Town councillor Sarah Bridewell could also be spotted doing her bit to show that elected members were willing to face inclement weather in the interest of promoting a family event.

Mr Carter said: “Everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun despite the weather not being in our favour. I am grateful to the parks department for their work."

Isobel Reeves was one of the winners in the seven to 11 age group category while Tilly Scorer won the first race of the afternoon and Angie Carpenter won the women’s race.

Small prizes were handed out but most people were glad to have just taken part.

A number of other free family events are coming up in the park in coming weeks as the Hillworth team looks to the summer and the start of regular Sunday music afternoons.

Fitness classes for mums are now held every Thursday morning at 9.30am. The 30 minute Mama and Me sessions cost £5 a time

On March 4 there will be Questions for Gardeners hosted by Zena Robson chairman of Devizes In Bloom, Lynnie Donkin from Hillworth Park and Emma Taylor from Townsends garden centre.