Despite the miserable weather, Portland residents had a flipping good morning at the annual Pancake Day Race.

To mark Shrove Tuesday, adults, children and even teddy-bears raced to the finish line, frying pan in hand – giving their pancake their best toss as they went.

Usually held outside on the lawns of All Saints Church at Easton, this year the Dorset Echo-backed event had to be moved inside due to wet weather with participants racing down the church aisle.

Organiser Jan Camp apologised for the change of plan but said: “These things are sent to try us and it’s so lovely to see such a crowd here today.”

Mrs Camp said the event was first started by the Women’s Institute, but was taken over by former Echo correspondent and Portland stalwart, Hilda Swinney – who sadly passed away in November.

This year’s race was held in her memory.

There were nine races in total including the boys and girls five-and-under races, boys and girls under-11, girls over 11, a men’s, women’s and relay between Tesco staff and Royal Manor of Portland Athletic Club.

Coming in first in the boys under-fives race was Heath Humphrey, with Eirlys Jones taking home the prize for the girls.

Eirlys, aged five, said: “I won because my legs went really fast – faster than anyone else’s.”

Heath, also five, said it was the second time he’d taken home the five-and-under prize as who also won the race in 2016.

It was a double win for the family with older brother Noah Humphrey winning for the under-11 boys and Lauren Shears winning for the girls.

Noah, aged seven, said he was happy and excited to win and he had managed to ‘persevere’ despite dropping his pancake.

Portland Mayor, and winner of the men’s race, Charlie Flack led the prize-giving – awarding every first, second and third place flipper with a chocolate egg.

Mr Flack thanked Tesco, the Co-operative and the Dorset Echo for donating the prizes and thanked everyone for turning up despite the weather.

“I look forward to seeing you all again next year,” he said.

Now in its 28th year the race is an important part of Portland’s parish calendar.

Mrs Camp said: “With the weather I didn’t think we’d have a successful event but as usual the weather couldn’t put Portland off. It’s a good bit of fun and brings the community together.”