YOUNGSTERS and adults had a flipping great time in the rain when they took part in Wallingford’s annual pancake race.

The Market Place and surrounding streets were filled yesterday with youngsters racing around with pancakes in pans.

A fancy dress theme is chosen each year for the race and competitors were invited to wear World Cup costumes this year.

Some chose instead not to wear football strips and picked out their own wacky outfits.

The Shrove Tuesday event is backed by the town council and organised by John Houston, who runs South Moreton Boxing Club.

Mr Houston said: “Lots of children came along to race although we didn’t have organised school groups as it’s half-term.

“It was quite a wet day so there were a few soggy pancakes and everyone had a great time.

“I’ve been running this for about 10 years and I think it’s Oxfordshire’s biggest pancake race - lots of people turned out to watch. “Some of the contestants chose strange outfits - there were two gorillas and a princess in a motorcycle sidecar.

Mr Houston said after the races contestants sheltered in Barclays Bank to eat pancakes.

If that's made you hungry for a pancake of your own, read the top tips from an Oxford professional.