Flipping great fun at Rickmansworth's charity pancake race (From Watford Observer)

Flipping great fun at Rickmansworth's pancake race in aid of Watford Mencap

5:09pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

Pancake racers flipped their way along Rickmansworth High Street this morning to raise funds for Watford Mencap.

The popular event drew 20 teams including estate agents, bar staff, Three Rivers District Council’s planning team and Thrive homes, who put their flipping skills to the test.

The annual event is organised by Watford Mencap and trading manager Rose Kreloff said the race is a key fundraising event for the charity, which is based in Rickmansworth High Street.

She said: "This is a very important event generally for us, in the past we have raised more than £1,000 and we are hoping to do even better this year.

"We also raise awareness about who we are.

"The great thing is once people get involved in something like this they may be encouraged to do other things for us."

 

Video: Les Mead

Following a series of competitive heats the final was won by Gibbs Gillespie estate agents who beat Freedom Communications into second place, third was the team from The Coach and Horses pub - which provided all the pancakes and saucepans.

Phil Smith, the winning team captain, said: "It was amazing, we had great support from the team.

"It is the first year we have done it and I thought we would go all out for it by entering two teams.

"Watford Mencap is an amazing cause and we want to make sure we support it as much as we can."

Chairman of Three Rivers District Council Kemal Butt, was present to start the race, he said: "It is an absolutely fantastic event bringing so many people together, it’s a wonderful thing to see."

Council leader, Councillor Ann Shaw added: "It’s a really good mix of community and local business."

The race also drew a crowd to the high street with more than 100 viewers turning out to cheer on the runners.

Among them was Iris Moore who has lived in Rickmansworth for 15 years. She said: "This is always a fun event, it’s nice to see so many people out, luckily the snow has all gone."

To see all the photos from the pancake race, click here.