Pancake tossers descend on Newbury

Hundreds line Market Place to watch all the thrills and spills of the annual pancake race

A TEAM from the Carnarvon Arms in Burghclere has been crowned the Newbury Pancake Race 2011 winners after they pipped Sainsbury's to the post in a photo finish.

A record number of 23 teams entered this year's competition, which took place in Newbury's Market Place at noon today (Tuesday).

In an exciting final, which followed five preliminary heats, The Carnarvon Arms pipped Sainsbury's at the finishing line to be crowned Soroptimist International Newbury Pancake Race 2011 winners.

Last year's winners, The Newbury Weekly News, failed to make the final after being edged into second place by Sainsbury's in heat two.

Hundreds of people created a celebratory atmosphere in the Market Place with a number of teams in fancy dress to add plenty of colour to the occasion.

Following the races pancakes were tossed from St Nicolas Church tower.

Spectators then enjoyed a variety of pancakes in the church hall with proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Society West Berkshire.

For pictures from the day, click Picture Gallery from the left hand menu.

For full details and photographs, see this Thursday's Newbury Weekly News.