There were far flung celebrations at the news that the tradition of pancake racing would be returning to Helston this year.

Pancake races used to be an annual event in the town every Shrove Tuesday and yesterday they were back, taking place around the bowling green from 10.30am.

The event was organised as a fundraiser for Helston's Relay for Life event taking place this summer, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The committee had encouraged anyone to enter, saying: "You just need to bring a pan and plenty of enthusiasm."

Plenty of people did just that, with a good group of racers lining up with pans and pancakes on Monument Walk.

Tim Grattan-Kane, who organised the races with fellow town councillor Nicola Boase, said they were pleased with how it had gone - particularly given the poor weather yesterday, with the races managing to catch one of the few sunny breaks. 

He said: "It went well considering the weather was lousy.

"We had a group of childminders turn up with young children who took part, which was delightful; everyone loved it.

"And we had a group from the adult day centre at who had a go and really enjoyed it. 

"It was lovely." 

Caroline Hemsworth was triumphant in the main race, which was also contested by representatives of Helston Town Council, the Fishermen's Mission charity shop and other members of the public.

Separate races were held for children and Park View Adult Day Service.

Donations were collected for the charity and afterwards people were invited back to the Guildhall for coffee and homemade cake - as well as pancakes, naturally.

Around £50 was raised for Cancer Research and there are plans to hold the event next year, to return pancake racing as a fixutre on Helston's events calendar.