PANHANDLING of a rather different kind was being practiced across the county today – and all for a flippin’ good cause.

Staff at the Great Western Hospital held their annual pancake race, with dozens of people forming 10 teams for the event, which took place yesterday lunchtime outside the hospital.

The festivities were raising money for Brighter Futures – the charity supports the staff, patients and families at GWH as well as looking to improve community health services across Wiltshire.

Jennifer Green, Brighter Futures’ head of fundraising, said: “It is great to see so many people taking a bit of time out of their lunch to raise money for the charity.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part as it is not the warmest of days. This money all goes in the general pot for improvements.”

Brighter Futures funds the purchase of equipment, staff education and improving the environment of venues, which falls outside of the NHS budget.

Hilary Walker, chief nurse, Toni Lynch, deputy chief nurse, Julie Marshman, senior nurse for care quality, and Wendy Johnson, matron, formed one of the teams.

Toni said: “It was electric, we had lots of fun.”

Hilary said: “It might have been cold but we didn’t notice it. We were really pleased to support the event.”

For more on raising money for Brighter Futures call 01793 605631 or email fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk

Meanwhile, in Royal Wootton Bassett, people were also getting into the Shrove Tuesday spirit, raising money for the Ladies Guild.

From 10am-4pm, volunteers were cooking up a storm in The Croft, behind St Bartholomew’s and All Saints Church, with dozens of families and children dropping in to mark pancake day.

For £2, visitors could enjoy a homemade pancake with sugar and lemon juice and a hot drink, with proceeds being put towards this year’s carnival committee.

Trish Brice, chairman of the Ladies Guild, said: “Every year we have a pancake day, with the proceeds going to charity.

“Last year we raised a total of £1,750 for charities through various fundraising events.

“We raised £150 at last year’s pancake day, and we’ve already raised more than £100 before 12.30pm this time, so at that rate I think we’re going to do even better than we did last year.

“We’ve been non-stop all morning with people coming in and asking for pancakes.”