PICTURES: Villagers run through wind and rain for Pancake Day

THE rain and wind failed to dampen spirits at the traditional Pancake Day races held at Beaulieu and Brockenhurst.

Local children battled it out in 15 races held in Beaulieu High Street, while teams from the village fire station, the Countryside Education Trust, the Montagu Arms and Fairweathers Garden Centre competed in the adult events.

Once again, the firefighters took the main honours before the drizzle turned into a downpour and the individual tossing challenge had to be abandoned.

The Brockenhurst event began in the rain but the skies eventually cleared as the youngsters from the village school and pre-school splashed their way to the finish line.

There were also races for the mums and dads, and the over-50s.

There was a new champion in the business team race when the Balmer Lawn Hotel, who had triumphed for the previous three years, lost their crown to Balmer Lawn Honda.