Racing ahead

Claypole Primary School refused to let regulations and red tape spoil pupils’ fun when they held their annual pancake races on Tuesday.

All 167 pupils took part in races involving a pre-cooked pancake and a frying pan.

More than 15 races were held, including two finals, one for the younger age group and another for older pupils.

The school’s administrator, Mrs Christine Hudson, said they carried out all the proper risk assessments for the races, which were run on the school’s tennis court because it was the driest area.

Pupils brought in frying pans and pancakes from home and had to flip the pancake three times during the race.

The tradition goes back more than 16 years and each year a large wooden spoon is awarded to the overall winner.

This year the spoon was awarded to Tom Heath (8).

The winner of the younger pupils’ race was Thomas King (6).

All the runners-up were given Easter eggs.