ALTON'S 2013 events programme will kick off in flippin' good style next week with the annual town pancake race.

Celebrating its 14th year, the spectacle of have-a-go folk of all ages, many in fancy dress, sprinting through the streets tossing pancakes is bound to bring colour and jollity to what is an otherwise bleak time of year.

And spectators are encouraged to cheer them on.

Organised by Alton Town Council and Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this year's event falls after Shrove Tuesday but is traditionally held during half-term to enable as many children – and adults – as possible to join in the fun.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.