IT was pan-demonium on Portland as the community came out for the annual Pancake Day Race sponsored by the Dorset Echo.

In recognition of Shrove Tuesday, adults, children and clergy took to rectory lawn at All Saints Church to race to the finish line with pan and pancake in hand.

With the sun shining and Easter eggs of all shapes and sizes to be won, town crier Stuart Cave kick-started the event with a rousing cry.

Mayor of Portland Sandy West, who handed out the prizes after taking part in a race or two herself, said: "It’s fantastic. There’s not a lot of places left that still do the tradition of having a pancake race and it really brings the community together.It’s a good reason for everyone to get together and touch base.”

In total there were nine races including the boys and girls under-fives races, boys and girls under-11, a men’s, women's and the finale race between the staff of Portland's Tesco and Coop.

Students from St George's Primary School took part as did youngsters from Little Stars, Little Dragons, Southwell Smiley Faces and Haylands pre-schools.

Smiley Faces manager Jen Whyton said: "The children loved it.It’s nice that we are invited every year and the sun came out for us today. It’s just nice to be involved community events like this."

Coming in first in the boys under-fives race was Ronnie Lawrence, with Bea Charlton taking home the Easter egg for the girls.

In the under-11 category Lottie Richards won first prize for the girls with Cameron Clarke taking the winning position in the boy’s race.

Winner of the men’s race Daniel Leggett, said: “I won the male race approximately 20 years ago so it’s really nice to have won it again twenty years later.

“I lost track of it for a few years but it’s good to see it building back up again, it goes to show its worthwhile getting everyone in the community together.”

Now in its 27th year the race is an important part of Portland’s parish calendar.

Organiser Jan Camp said: “It was a good morning all round, I think it was the biggest turn-out we have had for many years. I just want to thank everyone that has helped out and it’s nice to see the little ones carrying on the tradition.”