CAUTION and dignity were tossed in the air as runners took part in the annual Easton Pancake Races on Portland Paramedics and St John Ambulance members competed in the challenge while men, women and children took part in the open races, cheered on by a large crowd of spectators, all enjoying the fun.

The Dorset Echo-sponsored event was held on the rectory lawn at All Saints Church in Easton, Portland.

The Rev Tim Gomm said: “It was wonderful seeing children and adults so willing to let their hair down and have fun.

“These sorts of traditions are real memory-makers, and I’m sure the races will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Debbie King, deputy manager at Haylands pre-school, said: “The children really enjoyed themselves and lots of people turned up to watch.”

The Dorset Echo had an increased presence at this year’s event with organiser Hilda Swinney, photographer Finnbarr Webster and reporter Rachel Stretton who not only took part in the races but helped with holding the rope at the finishing line and start the event.

The usual master of ceremonies, Arthur Copus, took part in the race.

Arthur has been the organiser’s mainstay since the races started at All Saints more than 20 years ago. Town Crier Stuart Cave rang his bell and cried in Easton to encourage shoppers along to spectate.

He also presented the prizes in the church.

Echo reporter Rachel Stretton reports from the pancake races

The flag is lowered and I set off at full pelt, at the forefront of a crowd with one ‘batty’ goal.

At the first marker I am slow to toss my pancake and lose my lead, the other competitors edging up in the corner of my vision. It’s an open field now, anyone’s game.

We reach the final marker – one more toss and we’re on the home straight.

Then disaster – an enthusiastic flick of my wrist sends the pancake somersaulting high into the air.

But it lands safely in the pan, more luck than judgement, and I pick up the pace.

A final push and we surge as one past the finish line, into a cheering, laughing crowd.

RESULTS: Challenge race. 1: Kelly Roberts, Portland St John Ambulance, 2: Terry Shakespeare, Portland St John Ambulance, 3: Maria Beet, Paramedics. Ladies, 1: Victoria Schooling 2: Kate Moatt 3: Rachel Stretton. Men: 1: Finnbarr Webster, 2: Revd Tim Gomm, 3: Dave Shaw. Pre-school boys: 1: Henry Hooley, Little Stars. 2: Max Griffin, Little Stars. 3: Billy Alderton, Haylands Pre-school. Pre-school girls: 1: Sophie Thorn, Haylands Pre-school, 2: Machrie Wallace, Haylands Pre-school, 3: Bethany Moatt, Little Stars. St George’s Primary School: 1: Aaron Thomas. 2: Ethan Groves. 3: Daniel Smyth.