A RACING rector took on the children of Bedale in an annual pancake race - and lost.

Rev Ian Robinson was the only adult to take part in the race as there was a shortage of frying pans, but in the event the youngsters were too quick for him and had better flipping abilities.

More than 100 children from local schools took part in nine races with each one receiving a cream egg supplied by the local Co-op.

Race organiser Peter Parlour said:”It was a marvellous event. Sadly the rector was just outrun, but he did a good job picking up overflipped pancakes from the pathway.”

The winners were Joseph Chisholm, James Bell, Finn Gillespie, Courtney Stockdale, Bailey Gallagher, Seth Brown, Jack Hannington and Milly Derbysher.

At Northallerton, a charity challenge pancake race was held in the Applegarth with youngsters from the neighbouring Applegarth Primary school putting their best frying pans forward alongside traders from the town.

The event was organised by local store Lewis and Cooper supported by the Town Council, Rotary Club and the retrial forum and raised £175.

Bettina Bell of Lewis and Lewis & Cooper's said: "I think it might be the best turn out yet, since we reinstated the town's annual Shrove Tuesday races four years' ago.

"We're very grateful to everyone who supported the event - including Northallerton & District Round Table, Bettys and Applegarth School - but especially all those who turned out to run or to cheer.”

Applegarth School pupils took part in seven races, winners were: Y6 Daniel Hill, Y5 Reece Bickerton, Y4 Harry Bellian, Y3 Shaun MacPhee, Y2 Ruby Wilbor, Y1 Holly Hilton and Foundation Stage Edward Barnbrook.

The winner of the adult race was Stan Parry, from Barkers. Chris Howarth from Sam Turner's was runner-up and Stewart Bankier from Café Natural was third.