Maidenhead & Windsor

Windsor and Maidenhead Borough businesses looking for a New Year resolution-with-a-difference are being urged to set their sporting sights at Windsor and Eton's festive Mardi Gras celebrations.

With Shrove Tuesday earlier than usual and less than four weeks away on February 5, the gauntlet has been thrown down to local businesses to sign up their teams for the annual town centre pancake race.

The challenge to businesses is to add to last year's mix of competitors and encourage even more members of their staff to see who's batter – and continue the tradition of having a flipping good time while raising money for good causes.

Organised by the Windsor and Eton Town Partnership and sponsored by Windsor Royal Shopping and King Edward Court Shopping Centres, the proceeds from this year's race will once again go towards Thames HospiceCare and the Windsor and Eton Christmas Lights appeal.

Last year's winners, the Windsor Observer, are expected to be back for second helpings to defend their title against all comers.

Competitors will line up in teams of four to sprint the 50-metre course across Windsor and Eton Bridge, tossing their pancakes to a minimum height of three feet.

Traditional pancake-racing gear is the order of the day, with teams encouraged to dress up as 15th century housewives in skirt, apron, headscarf and frying pan – with prizes for the best-dressed team.

Cllr Colin Rayner, chairman of Windsor and Eton Town Partnership, said: "The pancake race is getting more and more popular every year, with teams really getting into the spirit of the occasion and dressing up in traditional clothes.

"Everyone has a really good time while raising money for two very worthwhile local causes. Events like this are very good for the town, and help to generate a real sense of community and belonging. So come on everyone, let's see some new faces at the starting line this year – with four weeks to go there's still plenty of time to get those 'flipping' skills perfected and enjoy taking part in a real fun event."

For further information, and for an application form, contact Paul Roach, Windsor and Eton Town manager on 01753 743921 or email windsor.tm@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead