ALTON mayor Dean Phillips was in town on Tuesday to flag up next week’s traditional pancake race.

He was joined for the occasion by sponsors Faye Bobilier, of Sweet Chocolate on Westbrook Walk, who is providing the prizes, and St Lawrence church warden Tim Codling, representing the Greater Alton Project, who will be providing free hot pancakes on the day.

Alton town crier Stan Whitcher will be ringing his bell to herald the start of the event, while Alton Town Council officers Julie McLatch and Alexandra Bond will help ensure the smooth running of the event.

Designed to coincide with the school half-term holidays, registration will take place in the Public Gardens from 10.45am with the first race at 11.30am.

This year’s children’s race categories are Nutella, for ages 2-4 (pre-school); Lemon and Sugar, for ages 4-7 (primary school); Milk, for ages 8-11 (primary school); Flour, for ages 11-16 (secondary school); and Eggs, for the team relay race (maximum of eight people) which it is hoped will attract local businesses and organisations, with advertising and dressing up encouraged.

Entry is £1 per child or £5 per team with medals and prizes for each race category winner and for the best fancy dress costume.

The mayor, who will be starting the races, said: “The pancake race is always a fun way to kick off Alton Town Council’s event calendar. I am looking forward to seeing lots of people get into the spirit of the races and come along in their most spectacular fancy dress outfits.

“I am grateful to Faye Bobillier for her continued support of the event and would like to extend my thanks to her for once again providing the prizes.

“I would also like to thank the members of the Greater Alton Project churches who always make sure that we are all well fed at the event.”

The pancake race will be held in the Public Gardens on Shrove Tuesday (February 13) and competitors should bring their own frying pans. Pancakes will be provided.