Chefs whisk off with pan prize

FLIP-flip hooray . . . contestants line up ready for the off

Victory is sweet for pub pair

A pair of chefs from a popular pub/restaurant took a panning — and won a top prize.

Simon Turner and Danny Wilde, from the Three Crowns Inn, Scouthead, ran to victory in a Saddleworth charity pancake race.

They beat off strong competition from other chefs and staff from local businesses to walk off with a specially-engraved copper pan.

Simon (44) said: “We were delighted to win. We had not practised for the event — but it’s nice to receive such an elegant prize.”

Teams from the White Hart, Lydgate; Farrars Arms, Grasscroft; Dinnerstone, Uppermill; and The Shambles, Dobcross; all took part.

The youngest competitor was Jacob Crowther (10) who supported an entry from his family’s catering business.

A special cheer was reserved for 78-year-old Peter Heathcock who travelled from Newhey to take part.

Originally, the race was to be staged outside but the event was moved into the White Hart’s Oak Room due to snow.

Contestants, working in teams of two, had to run the relay flipping a pancake into the air at least five times on each leg of the race.

Veteran Uppermill baker Ian Scholes, who organised the event for Saddleworth Rotary Club, said: “I’m delighted everything went so well for our first attempt.

“The teams were excellent and everyone enjoyed themselves. There was really good, friendly rivalry between all the teams who took part. It was lots of fun.

“I reckon there will be a lot more entries next year.”

All funds and contributions go to local charities and the pan was donated by Alphin Pans of Greenfield.