WITH the Christmas and New Year celebrations now safely behind us, Malvern Rotary Club is urging people to turn their thoughts to Pancake Day.

The club is planning its annual pancake race and it looking for teams to sign up for the event, held at Priory Park.

Now in its tenth year, the pancake race has become a popular fixture in the town's calendar, attracting teams to show off their finely-honed skillet-wielding tactics.

Last year's event, held on a bright winter afternoon, attracted 35 entries in the adult races and another 18 in the junior categories. This year, it will be held on Tuesday, February 21, starting at 12.30pm.

The event, which is sponsored by Waitrose and the Morgan Motor Company, is always a hit with spectators as well, who are eager to watch the teams negotiating the course while flipping their pancakes.

Teams of four are sought in the Elite - under 50s - and Veteran - over 50s classes. Any teams entering should seek sponsorship. Those entered by charities will keep all sponsorship money for their own charity whilst the non-charity teams can nominate a charity for half the money they raise, the other half going to Rotary for its good causes throughout the year.

Rotary's Brian Curtis said: "The race has been a hit with participants and spectators in the past. Come and join us this year."

Fancy dress is also welcomed and there is a prize for the best-dressed team, while there are prizes for best Veterans team, best elite team and for the team which raises most for charity.

Last year's event raised over £3,000 for charity, to add to the grand total of £15,000 which has been raised in previous years..

For information and application forms, ring 01684-575879. Application forms are also available at the Tourist Information Centre in Church Street, Waitrose reception desk and Morgan Motor car reception.