Business people battled it out on the Town Bridge in this year’s Bradford on Avon pancake race to be in with a chance of winning a newly introduced trophy.

Stephen Bryant, from CS Bowyer Funeral Directors, was only in his second week of work at the company but sprinted into first place and walked away with the frying pan trophy.

He said: “It is a great way for businesses to get involved in the town and it was a good way to start the job.

“This is the first year I took part but I will do it again next year as I need to defend my crown.”

This is the first year a prize has been given and his name will be engraved on the frying pan, donated by Tillions.

He said he would keep it in the office until next year’s race when another winner’s names will be engraved.

Fourteen businesses, St Laurence School and the Festival of Christmas organisation dressed to represent their company and dashed across the bridge, flipping their pancakes half way.

The Tourist Information Centre provided the all important pancakes for the competitors and spectators, and police stopped traffic from crossing the bridge for ten minutes.

Mayor John Potter said: “It is a big one this time. It’s a great tradition and a laugh. It stops all the traffic and it is good to see all the businesses out in the town.”

The children’s race, in its second year, was popular as ever, with teams sprinting across Lamb Yard, flipping a pancake at the table, before returning to the finish line and being rewarded with sweets, donated by Budgens.

The business race across the Town Bridge has been a town tradition for around 20 years and was organised by Bradford on Avon Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Information Centre.

Caroline Philpott, president of Bradford on Avon Chamber of Commerce and owner of Tillions, said: “I think it is an English tradition and it is important to recognise our traditions in the town.

"It brings people out, businesses together and promotes the town as part of the community.”

All money raised on the day will go towards Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the town‘s Christmas Lights fund.