THE 40th Ruthin Pancake Race took place in Ruthin on Shrove Tuesday.

More than 80 school pupils and adults were armed with frying pans at the starting line on St Peter’s Square, where they attempted to travail the race circuit while balancing their freshly-made crepes.

The bells of St Peter’s Church were tolled for half an hour before the races in celebration of their restoration last year.

Children from Ysgol Borthyn, Rhos Street School, Ysgol Gellifor and Ysgol Brynhyfryd took part. Speed alone was not enough as participants had to flip their pancakes three times without dropping them before crossing the finish line.

A committee organiser said: “There were so many taking part that there was virtually an hour of racing and there were many people watching.

“The church bells were rung for half an hour which hasn’t been possible for a long time.

“This is a good community event for all ages, with older people watching and children and adults taking part. It is also a way to bring schools into the community.”

All funds raised were donated to Wales Air Ambulance.