THE sun creped out from behind the clouds earlier today and just in time for Trowbridge’s annual Shrove Tuesday pancake races.

The popular event, which takes place on Fore Street in the centre of the town, was attended by the young and old for the day’s five races, including events for men, women and children.

Maryrose Mantle, Trowbridge Town Council community development officer, said: “It was brilliant, the weather held up for us even though it wasn’t warm.

“It was lovely to see so many mums come out with their youngsters in the children’s race and I like to see the rivalry amongst the teams in the relay.

“Numbers were slightly down on last year but that’s understandable because children are at school whereas last year it was in half term.

“It’s nice to see people stop and see and it brings all ages together.”

In the first race of the day, the St Stephen’s Place relay, Neil Anthony clinched victory for the Valeroso Lounge while Rhys Williams and Kasia Prus claimed second and third places respectively for the Premier Inn.

Alex de Silva won the men’s race despite finishing third, after first and second places were disqualified for a technicality.

Rory Elliot and Craig Robinson rounded out the top three.

The women’s race was won by Rosie Semenytsh, followed by Vicky Stanley and Paige Tait.

The duo of de Silva and Elliot combined to take first place in the relay race for Anytime Fitness, with Wiltshire Council finishing second and Amber House finishing third.

In the children’s race it was a proud moment for mum Ann-Marie Gibson, as the top four spots were claimed by her children, Isabel, 12, Jessica, seven, Emily, nine, Daniel five, with her other daughter Hannah, three, also taking part in the event.

“It’s the second time we have entered and we did a little better than the first time,” said Mrs Gibson.