Residents had a flipping good time on Portland yesterday.

The annual pancake race was held on the lawns of All Saints Church.

Elderly and young residents launched pancakes into the air with pans in hand, while competing to be the first across the finish line.

The event which is backed by the Dorset Echo has been running for more than 30 years.

It was started by the Women’s Institute but was taken over by former Echo correspondent and Portland stalwart Hilda Swinney, who organised the event up until her death.

Jan Camp, who now organises the event, said the day was blessed with good weather.

She said: “There’s been a fantastic turnout today and the weather has been kind to us. It’s good to see so many children from the area taking part.

“This is a lovely community event and sadly there aren’t as many of these around nowadays. We have to keep it going – I think Hilda would haunt us if we don’t.”

Mayor of Portland Cllr Charlie Flack was among the adults racing on the day.

He said: “What a well organised and fun day. We have been very fortunate this year with the weather on our side. Long may this Portland tradition continue.”

Revd Tim Gomm said he was delighted for the event to be held at the church.

He added: “There has been a great turnout. It’s been so much better than last year, when it was pouring with rain and we had to race up and down the aisles.”

On the day, there was a total of seven races, including Under Five’s Boys and Girls, Ages Six to 11, Adult Males, Adult Females, and Tesco versus Royal Manor of Portland Running Club (RMPAC).

Each winner was awarded a chocolate Easter Egg.

Mark Stone won first place in the Adult Males race. He said: “I know I am quite a fast runner and have been in the race before, but I didn’t think I’d get first place. It’s such a great event and helps bring the community together and show our community spirit here on Portland.”

Debbie Lindoe, community champion of Tesco Portland said: “I love it, it’s an amazing community event and brings the community of Portland together. I have been coming for many years and Tesco are really happy to get involved. We help supply some Easter eggs and always take part.”

Sarah Cormack of Smiley Faces said: “We like to participate in community events with the children. It helps them to mix with the community.”

Debbie King deputy manager of Haylands Pre-School said: “It’s a good community get together. We had three winning runners, Wilf, Eliza and Cornelia.

They are all overjoyed with their Easter eggs.”

Here’s a list of the winners:

U5 Boys:

  • First place: Bodie and Wilf
  • Second place: Brodie
  • Third place: Teddy

U5 Girls:

  • First place: Evie
  • Second place: Eliza
  • Third place: Cornelia

Ages Six to 11 Boys:

  • First place: Olly
  • Second place: Corbyn
  • Third place: Archie

Ages Six to 11 Girls:

  • First place: Sinead
  • Second place: Sky
  • Third place: Brooke

Adult Males:

  • First place: Mark
  • Second place: Tim
  • Third place: Charlie

Adult Females:

  • First place: Debbie
  • Second place: Storm
  • Third place: Sarah/ Heather

Tesco vs RMPAC

  • First place: Warren from RMPAC
  • Second place: Heather
  • Third place: Chris