TROWBRIDGE played host to one of the most competitive pancake races the town has ever seen on Shrove Tuesday.

Town crier Trevor Heeks rang his bell long and loud to signal the start of the annual race for children, where entrants had to run with their pancake and flip them too along Fore Street.

In the children’s race, it proved to be a hugely successful one for the Heard family, of Frome Road, as the children of Peter, 13, Abigail, 10, and Benjamin, eight, came first, second and third in the town council-run event.

“It is nice to win it with my brother and sister,” said Peter.

“I was a bit nervous when I dropped the rubber pancake out of my pan at the last flipping station, as my sister was closing in, but I managed to hold on for the win.”

Abigail said: “I had a really good time. I wanted to come in the top three so I am happy to come second.”

Benjamin added: “Next year I hope I can win the whole thing. I am really looking forward to eating chocolate spread pancakes later.”

In the women’s event, Felicity Clifford of British Heart Foundation Furniture and Electrical zoomed to victory.

“I am chuffed to have got the win as I didn’t expect to,” she said.

In a hugely competitive men’s race, four runners were in with a shout with just metres remaining but after one fell over at the last, John of Gaunt pupil Josh Thorne dipped home for the victory.

“It was a really tight and competitive race. I thought I was going to come fourth but I managed to get the win,” said the 16-year-old.

“I didn’t see someone fall over but I definitely heard it.”

After going winless in the two previous races, the Anytime Fitness relay team redeemed themselves by triumphing in the last race.

“In the men’s race, I tripped right at the end, so to come back and win the relay race is a great comeback,” said Anytime Fitness staff member Matthew Corr.

“I fell flat on my face but I’m glad that we won. It would have looked bad if a fitness company didn’t win something.”