IT’S Shrove Tuesday today and if you want to ensure you have a flipping good time, here’s our guide to pancake day races taking place across the area and recipes.

Wimborne’s popular race returns outside the Minster with the first race taking place at 11am when the bell is tolled.

Competitors must run around the Minster tossing their pancakes at the four corners of the church.

All participants should report to the north porch by 10.30am to sign up, armed with a frying pan and ready cooked pancake.

The event is open to all ages, individuals, schools, groups and organisations. There will also be categories for youngsters aged four to nine-years-old, nine to 13-years-old and 13 to 18-years-old.

Over 18s will have the chance to win the John Loader Memorial Cup.

Participants can just turn up on the day.

Ringwood is also holding a pancake day race at Carvers Recreation Ground.

Team entry closed on February 28 but individuals can turn up on the day and enter for £1.

Fancy dress is optional but there will be prizes for the best-dressed competitors.

Pre-school children's races start at 3pm with a very simple course and a prize for all who take part.

School teams set off at 3.15pm with adult challengers following at 3.45pm until dusk.

Refreshments, including freshly made pancakes, will also be available.

Christchurch's Pancakes on the Pavilion returns tomorrow.

The Christchurch Food Festival Committee will once again be hosting their annual pancake race on the Kings Arms Bowling Green.

Races take place from 10am and there will also be a pop-up pancake house in the pavilion serving waffles, bacon baps and, of course, pancakes.