A FLIPPING marvellous Shrove Tuesday was enjoyed across Dorset and the New Forest.

Bournemouth Pier hosted its annual pancake race yesterday with the Royal Bath Hotel taking victory for the second consecutive year.

The race around the pier, in association with the Caterer & Licensee, saw local hotels and restaurants competing for a trophy and one year’s free advertising at the Pier Theatre.

Competitors were Dan Ferry, 19, and Patrick Roberts, 17, from the Royal Bath Hotel, Taras Woodward, 19, and Jack Forster, 22, from the Carlton Hotel and Alfs Videnieks, 19, and Dimitri Desce, 29, from the Cumberland Hotel.

Dan Ferry won the race and was presented with a trophy by Caterer & Licensee managing director Peter Adams.

Dan said: “It was a lot longer than I thought it was going to be “I’m surprised to win it. I only found out I was doing it this morning when I got to work!”

Head chef of the runner-up Carlton Hotel, Richard Allsopp, said: “There is always a bit of healthy competition between hotels, but it’s a bit of fun for Pancake Day.”

Crowds gathered in Wimborne to watch racers haring around the Minster church, stopping to toss their pancakes at its four corners.

Mayor councillor Terry Wheeler joined in the fun, pushing mayoress Pauline Wheeler around the church in one of the wheelchair heats. The 14th annual event raised £156 for Wimborne In Bloom, Friends of Victoria Hospital and the National Gardens Scheme.

Streets Meadow resident Rita Ormond, 90, won the wheelchair race, pushed by care assistant Fred Payne.

Rita said: “I’ve watched the race before but this was my first time taking part.

“I enjoyed it very much. How my pusher got me round those cobbles carrying this heavy pan I do not know.

“But she made sure I won.”