AS families in the North-East prepared for lent with indulgent pancakes, some chose to mark Shrove Tuesday in a more energetic fashion.

A pancake race took place in Northallerton for the first time in 20 years About 40 people, all representing local businesses and organisations, took part in the fun on Applegarth playing fields, with many in fancy dress.

The race was won by Greg Ient, from Maxwell’s electrical store, in the High street.

The trophy had previously been held by Lewis and Cooper food store, which organised this year’s competition.

Bettina Bell, store manager said: “It was absolutely great fun, and really good for the town.

“The trophy has gone to another local business and we couldn’t be happier about that.

There’s no bad blood, but there is always next year and I’m sure we will get the trophy back then.”

The event raised about £300 for the Friends of Friarage Hospital.

Meanwhile, former professional footballer Jimmy Cain got the centuries-old ball game in Sedgefield, County Durham, under way.

The 76-year-old passed the ball through a bull ring on the village green three times before it was hurled into the air.

It was then thrown and kicked around the village centre as the assembled crowds fought for a pass, before it was kidnapped until later in the day when the game ended back at the bull ring.

Mr Cain played for Bristol City and Hartlepool United and then worked as a coal mining engineer and for a machinery firm.

The father-of-two and grandfather, who lives in White House Drive, Sedgefield, said: “I’ve chased the ball since I was five and won it in my 50s.

“I’ve hardly ever missed it. I used to feign injury to come to play or skip a shift to make it to the ball game.

“It is an important part of village life and its a big honour to start it. When you are asked, it means you are pretty old, but that’s okay because I’m proud to be part of it.”

In Bishop Auckland, traders are establishing a new Shrove Tuesday tradition by staging a pancake relay through the town centre.

Children from York House nursery opened the event yesterday, with a junior race won by Luke Whittaker, aged five, and four-year-old Kayleigh Harker.

Reporters and sales executives from The Northern Echo were the winners of the senior event.

Team captain Andrew Greenwell, Andrew Shaw, Will Roberts and Rachel Wearmouth led from the first changeover to take the trophy donated by last year’s winners Saks.

Town centre manager Steve McCormick said: “The race was a lot of fun for shoppers and everyone who took part.”