Braving the rain at Brockenhurst and Beaulieu pancake races

COMPETITORS battled it out at the annual pancake events at Brockenhurst and Beaulieu.

While the children and adults took part in the traditional races in Brockenhurst, rain forced the Beaulieu event inside the village hall – with Lord and Lady Montagu joining in.

Organiser Jan Hoy changed proceedings in Beaulieu to crown the person who could toss a pancake the most in a minute, with both children's and adults' events.

Pupils from the primary school competed before the adults had a go, and Jan declared: "The hall was absolutely packed. It was such fun!"

A total of 209 pancakes were supplied by the Brabazon Restaurant's Jane Bell and chefs at The Montagu Arms. It raised £109 donated by hungry participants – the most in the event's 16-year history.

The coveted Best Tosser event was held later in the Montagu Arms Hotel, with Bob Moseley taking the "gold" frying pan by registering 68 tosses – two ahead of Alan Shipstone.

At Brockenhurst more than 60 adults and children took part in six races along Brookley Road, with Balmer Lawn Hotel taking the spoils in the relay race.

They came in ahead of teams from Welcome Stores, Tesco Express and the W10 Women from Brockenhurst Cricket Club, in their first ever pancake race.

"It was a fun-fuelled race," an event spokesperson said. "Balmer Lawn Hotel have now won five out of six relay races over the years."

It was organised by Brockenhurst Parish Council’s events committee with help from the Brockenhurst Primary School Parent Teachers Association and students from Brockenhurst College.

Event sponsors Brockenhurst Village Trust provided medals for the winners, while Tesco Express donated sweets for the younger participants.