Shrove Tuesday got off to a flippin’ good start in Wallingford as crowds cheered on scores of runners taking part in the town’s traditional Pancake Race.

The event, the longest running pancake race in Oxfordshire, was rescued just weeks ago after former organisers, the Lions Club, folded.

New organiser John Houston, who dressed as Indiana Jones for today's fun, said: “It was a real party atmosphere, everyone really enjoyed it.

“Hopefully it will be bigger and better next year.”

Runners had to complete as many laps of the St Mary’s Street, High Street, St Martin’s Street and Market Place circuit as possible, before the final whistle blew.

Jason Parr, 41, a chef from RAF Benson, won the race, completing 12 laps in 10 minutes, to win the golden frying pan trophy.

He said: “I think I managed to get round people at the start and I then just outran them. It’s about having the will to win. The golden frying pan is a great trophy. I’ll hopefully be back next year to retain it.”

Oldest participant Ivy Small, 79, of Radnor Road, managed three laps of the course.

She said: “The best thing about the event is that it is carrying on.”

Meanwhile, more than 60 pupils at Bletchingdon Primary School also enjoyed Shrove Tuesday.

Mother-of-three Natasha Pritchard, treasurer of the school association, said: “We had races for the year groups then a pancake sale to raise money.”