HUNDREDS turned out to cheer on competitors taking part in this year’s Shrove Tuesday pancake races in Trowbridge, with organisers hailing the event as the biggest yet.

Competition for the event in Fore Street was fiercer than ever and included a new race between businesses at St Stephen’s Place Leisure Park.

There were also separate races for men, women and children, as well as relay and fancy dress races. The event, organised by Trowbridge Town Council, was free for members of the public or businesses to enter.

Maryrose Mantle, the council’s community development officer, said: “It was a fantastic morning with the sun shining down on us.

“It’s delightful to see the kids taking part and having so much fun, while the ladies and gents races were well contested. The people of Trowbridge are always very competitive.

“It was unfortunate that there was a disqualification in the St Stephen’s Place race, but rules are rules.

"It is probably the biggest turn out we have ever had and it was helped by it being half term.

“I want to thank everyone who helped organise it, including Trowbridge Lions and Carewatch, which also sponsored the children’s race. Everyone enjoyed it a lot and we are now looking forward to next year.”

Adam Casserly, from Active Trowbridge, defended his crown in the men’s race, while the women’s race was won by Fiona Moore. Loraine McDonald, 10, came first in the children’s race.

Miss Moore, from Selwood Housing, said: “It was a hard race and it was close on the line. It’s the first time I’ve taken part as I only started at Selwood last week, but it was great fun.”

In the relay, Active Trowbridge was victorious again, closely followed by Paddy Power and Selwood Housing. The fancy dress costume race was won by Blue Cross Charity shop, with Trowbridge Museum’s David Birks finishing third in his Victorian attire.

The final race saw Nando's win the battle of St Stephen’s Place, although there was controversy after Valeroso Lounge, which finished first, was disqualified for not flipping within the zone.

Nando's employee Lauren Kyme said: “It was great to win the first time the race has been held. It was intense and really exciting, especially as the other team was disqualified.”