PANCAKE racers are preparing to flip early in a charity race challenge.

Northallerton’s annual pancake race will be held on February 6 – a week before Shrove Tuesday to take account of the half-term holiday.

Staff from shops and businesses across the town will race to the finish line, with pupils from Applegarth School taking part in children’s challenges.

Money raised will be donated to the Northallerton mayor’s charity – Hambleton and Richmondshire Carers’ Centre – which supports unpaid carers aged eight upwards across the districts.

Runners will complete the 50m course over Applegarth playing fields.

There will be prizes for the children’s races and the first man and woman over the line.

Judges will also decide on the top flipper, best fancy dress and three-legged winners.

The event, which was reinstated in 2010 by Lewis and Cooper, is supported by Northallerton and District Round Table, Northallerton Retail and Business Forum, Sam Turner and Sons, Colin Hutson Accounting, Coles Solicitors and Northallerton Town Council.

Entrants for the main race should arrive at 10.30am with their own frying pan in return for a donation of at least £1.

For more information, email info@colinhutsonaccounting.co.uk