Hundreds line the streets for popular Ripon pancake race

Runners race from in front of Ripon Cathedral along Kirkgate on the sound of the Lenten Bell, which signifies the beginning of 40 days of fasting.

All participants won a pancake courtesy of Squid and Tonic and a Cadbury’s Cream Egg donated by Hemingway’s Marketing Services.

Tuesday's event was organised by the Rotary Club of Ripon.

Meanwhile in Northallerton the race has been delayed a week to ensure local children can take part. On Tuesday, February 20 pancake racers will be flipping for a fine local cause. The event will see staff from stores, businesses and other organisations across the town come together and race to the finish line brandishing frying pans. Pupils from Applegarth School will also be taking part in children’s races.

The event, which was reinstated in 2010 by food firm Lewis & Cooper, is this year supported by Northallerton BID Company Limited, Northallerton Town Council, Colin Hutson Accounting Limited, Walker Foster Solicitors, Clark Willis Law Firm LLP, Tesco and Beau Cocoa.

Flipping a pancake all the way, runners will attempt to stay on a course on the town’s Applegarth playing fields. Money raised will go to the Hambleton Foodshare.

Spectators are welcome and the runners should assemble at 10.30am. The children’s races start at 10am.

The race covers just over 50m, equivalent to the distance between the town hall and market cross, where the race used to be run in years gone by.

As well as prizes for the children, there will also be awards for the first man and woman over the line, the top flipper, best fancy dress and three-legged winners.

Entrants for the main race simply need to turn up on the day – with their own frying pan – in return for a donation of at least £1.

For more information about the event, email info@shopnorthallerton.org.