Winners crowned in Waterlooville Pancake Race 2020 as bad weather cancels races across the country

Six teams from businesses and charities across the town competed in the race in Waterlooville shopping precinct at 11am today.

Determined flippers had their eyes on a trophy and a £200 prize to be donated to their chosen charity.

The tense competition saw several somersaulting pancakes land outside a frying pan, before a team from Hampshire Flag, a printing business in Waterberry Drive, was crowned the winners.

The team won by completing the relay route in just 50 seconds, with last year’s winners, London Road-based Phone Repair Doctor, coming second with a time of one minute.

Team member Mark Allibone said: ‘We just got the call – it was like something from Thundercats. We had to be here.

‘It’s been great fun.’

It was the third year that MMO Charted Accountants have fielded a team, not deterred by a sudden downpour and the problem of pancakes sticking to pans.

Team member Anna Sanders said: ‘Our tactic is to run and not fall over.

‘It’s all about the flip.’

The event has been organised by the team at the Co-operative Funeralcare in London Road and the Waterlooville Events Team.

Funeral director Ali Davison said: ‘‘This is the third year we have held the race.

‘We usually have eight teams, but it’s good so many people turned out despite the weather.

‘It’s a bit of fun, but for a good cause.’

It comes as pancake races in Bradford, Horsham, and Mold have all been cancelled due to bad weather.

The team at the funeral parlour intends to continue the tradition next year come rain or shine.

Ali added: ‘Our advise would be it’s all about practice, practice, practice.’

Pancake Day is marked every year on the day before Lent, a period where people give up bad habits and indulgent luxuries for 40 days.

The Waterlooville Events Team will hold its annual Party in the Precinct, a charity fun day featuring live music and a petting zoo, on Saturday, May 16.