WILL the Dean of Worcester make it safely to the finishing line in tomorrow's challenge pancake race?

That is the question on everyone's mind at the Cathedral as staff and clergymen prepare for the annual fun event. Last year the cassocked crusader fell at the line, gifting a famous victory to the opposition.

At 9am sharp tomorrow four teams will be cheered on by 150 boys and girls from St Albans school as they take part in a hair-raising obstacle course around the 14th Century cloisters quadrangle.

The teams will consist of robed choristers, the Very Rev Peter Marshall, Dean of Worcester, members of the Cathedral clergy and the Rt Rev David Walker, the Bishop of Dudley.

A spokesman for the chapter office said: "Now in its third year, we hope the pancake race will be as fun and as exciting as ever.

"And immediately after this event, schools across the country will be participating in a unique event to provide children with the opportunity to discard their preconceived ideas about the Cathedral.

"Artists participating in the event include Weapons of Sound, who use recycled materials to produce their own style of music, and Richard Taylor, a coppersmith."

Meanwhile, city businesses are perfecting their pancake skills as they get ready to batter the opposition in Worcester's first ever High Street pancake race.

More than 20 teams will compete in a relay race outside the Guildhall, starting at 11.30am.

Eager employees from HSBC Bank, Andrew Grant, the Bank of Scotland, W H Smith and members of the Territorial Army will go head to head, racing in front of the Grade I listed building while flipping a pancake four times.

All proceeds from the event will go to Acorns Children's Hospice, Bath Road, and the County Air Ambulance.

Ian Cutbill, president of the Worcester South Rotary Club, who organised the pancake race, said: "There is still time for people to sign up. We want as many teams as possible.

"It is a lovely venue especially with the High Street recently being renewed.

"There is plenty of space for lots of spectators.

"We'll also be selling our special mulled wine just in case it's a cold day."

The winners will be presented with an engraved copper pan to remember the event.

Any businesses or clubs who want to enter a team can call Mr Cutbill on 01905 457722 or his co-organiser John Harding on 01886 833479.