CROWDS are expected to turn out to watch pancake racers continue an ancient tradition outside a cathedral.

The event, which starts with the peel of Ripon Cathedral's Lent Bell at 11am on Tuesday (February 17), will be launched by the Dean of Ripon and the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Mick Stanley .

The Ripon Festivals event will be marshalled members of Ripon Rotary Rowels Club and the pancakes will be provided by 21 Royal Engineers Regiment, based in the city, who will set up a field kitchen in front of the cathedral.

Ripon Festival chairman Tim Jones said: “We are looking forward to another excellent morning especially as it is half term and we anticipate a great turnout of families as has been the case on many other occasions.”

He said anybody would be welcome to participate in the various races, whether they come from the schools, businesses in the area on representing the voluntary, uniformed or military sectors.

All participants will receive a certificate and an Easter egg.