THERE can be few things more British than the South Cerney pancake race.

The annual event, held in Church Lane on Shrove Tuesday, is a favourite of all ages, and this year’s Baltic conditions didn’t deter residents from turning out in their numbers.

Runners were split into age groups, taking it in turns to run the 40 yard dash with frying pan in hand.

Children cheered each other on as they ran, all enjoying the event immensely.

I was among the runners in the men’s race this year, which took on a subtly competitive tone from the outset.

With former Standard reporter Brendan McFadden’s third place in last year’s event burning a hole in the newspaper’s sterling reputation, I managed to bring home a win this year, making up for 12 months of hurt.

After the races were concluded parents and children piled into All Hallows Church for biscuits and hot drinks.

Sweets were given out to prize-winners in the warmth of the church, rounding off a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for everyone involved.

Joan Townsend was one of the organisers of the event. She said: “It’s been one of our coldest years yet, but it [still] brings so many different people together.

“Everybody loves it.”

Canon David Bowers, vicar at All Hallows Church in South Cerney, co-organised the event on the day. He said: “Once again it’s been wonderful.

“It’s a great, very traditional event, which brings everyone together.”