RUNNERS and spectators turned out in force for the annual Dorset Echo Pancake Day Races on Portland.

Despite the gloomy weather, everyone involved had a flipping great time, including the cat and the pigeons who devoured the few pancakes which had come to grief on the All Saints rectory lawn.

The ex-mariners in the Coastwatch team outran the church leaders and parents – who had taken part as tiny tots over 20 years ago – who brought along their children and also ran in this year’s ladies’ event.

Arthur Copus was race marshall and members of the community assisted with other tasks while ladies from All Saints and St Andrew’s Churches kept the hot drinks flowing.

From grandparents to tiny tots, everyone left the scene happy, some a bit mud spattered but with the youngsters mostly giving their thanks and the adults expressing their appreciation for the well organised event.

Coastwatch manager Geoff Peters said: “Off-watch staff love to take part in this annual event which allows us to let our hair down and relive our younger days right here on Portland.”

The Rev Fionn McKinty commented: “My wife Jessica and I are delighted to give the use of our lawn each year for such a happy occasion.”

Archaeologist Susann Palmer said: “I’ve been coming to the Shrove Tuesday Races ever since they’ve been held here and, although I can’t take part now I really enjoy the happy atmosphere.”

There was only one casualty from the Coastwatch – Linda Gough – who fell on the church drive before the races started but her son, Rory, ran in her place.

Pancake race results

Pre-school: 1 Sam Kenneally; 2 Tom Kinsey; 3 Max Griffin.

5-7 years: 1 Eliott Duncan; 2 Aaron Pitman; 3 Jessica Craft.

7-10 years: 1 George Wilson; 2 Lloyd Wilson; 3 Grace McDonald.

Ladies: 1 Rachel Day; 2 Nicola Kenneally; 3 Linda Paul.

Males: 1 Mark Stone; 2 James Bishop; 3 Geoff Lucas.

Ministers v Mariners: 1 Andrew Pegg; 2 Rory Gough, both running for Coastwatch and Reverend Fionn McKinty running in the clergy and church leaders’ team.