SHROVE Tuesday sprinters flipped - and dropped - pancakes as they took part in a number of dashes across the city.

At Worcester Cathedral, four teams of young choristers from The King's School, along with Cathedral staff and representatives from Noah's Ark Trust and your Worcester News raced around the cloisters.

And outside the Guildhall, 24 teams from across the city competed for the coveted Peplow Trophy.

At the Cathedral, runners had to make their way around a number of obstacles. The Noah's Ark wore animal costumes.

The choristers were raising money for the Towards A Brighter Future Appeal launched by your Worcester News to raise £1m to buy Noah's Ark a new home in the city.

Charmian Manship, succentor at the cathedral said: "We wanted to raise money for a local charity and as a priest, and wife of another priest, I know how devastating bereavement can be and I know what wonderful work Noah's Ark does for children."

Choristers Jack Furber and Stuart Abercrombie both aged 10 took part in the race and said it was a lot of fun.

"It was funny having to toss the pancakes and also to have some chickens, pigs, lions and other animals running with us," said Jack.

Gabby Beddows, head of operations at Noah's Ark, said: "It is wonderful for us to have the school and the cathedral supporting us and thank you very much. We would also like to thank Masquerade Costumes for the loan of their wonderful colourful costumes as everyone said how great we looked in them."

Outside the Guildhall, teams ran a 60m course while tossing their pancakes to raise money for the Worcester South Rotary Club's chosen four charities.

David Scott, chairman of fund-raising at the club, said it had been a successful day and was won by the city council's team City Slickers, followed by Barclays Bank and Thomas Guise Solicitors.

"A lot of people had a great time running with their pancakes and it was a lot of fun," he said.

The club hopes to raise about £3,500 to be split between Acorns Children's Hospice, County Air Ambulance, Maggs Day Centre and Rotary charities.

  • View our photo gallery of pancake races at Worcester Cathedral and in Worcester High Street here.