PANCAKE lovers had a flippin’ good time when a traditional race returned to Maldon for the first time in seven years.

The annual pancake race descended on Maldon High Street on Shrove Tuesday when 24 people lined up to take the coveted winners title.

Previously held in 2009 and 2010, it was the brainchild of former mayor David Denyer.

Two times race champion Dan Basham decided to resurrect the race with help from Maldon Town Council and Mayor Richard Miller.

This year the race saw runners complete two laps around All Saint’s Church while flipping pancakes.

George Basham, of the OAKhouse took first place followed by brother Scott in second with Charlie Goss, of the Continental Café finishing third.

The OAKhouse bar and café in High Street baked all the pancakes fresh ahead of the race.

Organiser Dan said: “It was a massive success. There was a lot of planning – we started back in January and took it forward to the town council.

“It got dissolved in 2010 but I wanted to bring it back. We had double the amount of runners than in 2010 and I am a 100 per cent sure we will have double that amount next year.

“Word will get around the town about this race and the event will be massive.”

The race was held to help raise money for Amy and friends — Cockayne Syndrome Support.

On the day Witham youngsters Ella and Chloe Barden, who both suffer from the condition, came along to watch the race.

Mum Jodie said: “We had lots of fun. It was very exciting to come along and was very kind of Dan to invite us and think of us and the charity.”

Standard reporters Ellis White - house and Josh Searle and chief reporter Rebecca Creed all made their pancake race debut, with only Josh making it into the final.

Ellis said: “It was a great atmosphere with plenty of people cheering and shouting out pancake flipping advice.

“The rivalry certainly got heated during the first lap when several contestants whose commitment to their flipping were sent into the fence and churchyard walls.

“Two laps of the yard pretty much did me in, but staggering across the finish line, pancake in hand, it felt like a great achievement.”

Rebecca added: “It was great fun taking part in the race.

“It was fantastic to see so many people coming out to support the competitors and help raise money for such a good cause."