OFFICERS from the Court Leet in Alcester are preparing for a flipping mental time when the town hosts its annual Pancake Day races to celebrate Shrove Tuesday.

People of all ages are invited to take part in the fun held in High Street on Tuesday, February 28.

Children and adults will begin the race near the post office and they will have to flip their pancakes in order to win. Toddlers will start at the half-way point.

Organisations and businesses, including the town’s pubs, will also compete the route.

The winners will be presented with prizes from the Court Leet’s High Bailiff Ian Whitehead at St Nicholas’ Church.

Mr Whitehead said: "Back in the day lots of places in the county held Pancake Day celebrations but today that seems to be petering out, but in Alcester we try to keep tradition alive."

"It is wonderful to see the kids enjoying themselves," he added.

Prizes include chocolate Easter eggs, lollies, cash and certificates. The event will begin at 12.30pm.

Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the period which Christians call Lent where it is traditional to eat pancakes.

Lent is a time of abstinence and Pancake Day is the last chance to indulge before Lent.

For more information visit alcestercourtleet.co.uk.