Flippin’ fun time at pancake race

The charity event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Horsham in partnership with Horsham District Council (HDC), kicked off midday on Thursday.

Ten giant mascots, staff from local stores and journalists were amongst the 19 teams entertaining families and shoppers as well as raising around £1,000 for good causes.

Chants of ‘Howie’ - the Horsham FC mascot - rang around the Carfax as the hornet fought off competition from a shark, giraffe and several bears.

However, it was Barnie the Bear from the Children’s Trust who stole the show and earned £250 for the charity which works with disabled children.

Before the race, Howie said: “The atmosphere is great. Half term has brought lots of kids and they haven’t tried to swat me yet, which is always a good thing.

“I’ve eaten too many pancakes which will definitely slow me down in the race today.”

Warming up to defend her winning title was PJ Aldred, of Horsham Markets, who admitted she was ‘nervous’.

She said: “It’s a great turn out today and really good to see lots of people out in town.

“Go Horsham Markets!”

But it was the pancake, sugar and lemon juice supplier - Sainsbury’s - who emerged as the winners of this year’s competition.

The Hot Dogs team defeated a crew from DC Leisure to claim the prestigious trophy, with winning proceeds divided between Guide Dogs for Blind and the most nominated charity St Catherine’s Hospice. Both received £200. A further £100 has been donated to Winston’s Wish and Set4Success.

Garry Mortimer-Cook, HDC’s town centres manager, said: “This was another great example of what we, the council and local community, can achieve with activities in the town centre by working in partnership and huge credit must go to the Horsham Rotary team and all of the business people and charities that took part.

“This was a fantastic turn-out once again and gives everyone in the town something to build on for our town events throughout the year.

“Our next big festival event will be Piazza Italia on Easter Friday, Saturday and Easter Monday and we aim to get even more local businesses involved, having fun and maximising their business opportunities from the event.”