IT was a case of ready, set, flip with a charity shop Pancake Day race today.

Three charity shops- Swindon Restore, The Shop, and St John’s Church-picked up their pancake pans outside the Co-Operative in Cavendish Square and prepared to do battle.

And the teams hoped to be light and fluffy on their feet to be in with a chance of winning a special pancake frying pan and certificate.

A flipping good time was had by all during the race which used sugared pancakes cooked up by staff at Restore’s Struve’s café.

“We want this to be a real community event, that everyone can look forward to in years to come,” said Ian Howard, project manager at Restore who organised the event.

Ian said Restore hoped to whip their competition into a frenzy ahead of the race.

“Everyone was very excited before the competition, there were a few nerves but they really wanted to take part and do something to reflect a really positive image of the Parks community. We were determined to win."

Swindon Restore were battered by the competition of the Shop, also based in Cavendish Square.

Ian said the teams got thoroughly into the spirit of the day,

“We had to run halfway up a 60m track, flip the pancake five times and then run again to get to the other members of the team. It was a lot of fun with The Shop team wearing clown costumes, although the flipping got progressively worse as it went on.

“There was definitely a competitive atmosphere during the race, it does bring back memories of your school days .

“Sadly we were beaten by a handle which is a shame but we were happy that everyone took part and enjoyed themselves, that’s what Pancake Day is all about,” Ian said.

And Ian said he will be sticking to a traditional favourite for his pancakes.

“I think you can’t go wrong with sugar and a bit of lemon," he said.

Restore comprises a charity shop and community café based out of St John’s Hall, Whitbourne Avenue. It is run by Swindon Christian Community Projects and is a sister charity to the Swindon Foodbank The charity works with the long-term unemployed and those unable to work due to ill-health. Most of their money comes from collecting and selling second-hand furniture and other goods such as clothing, toys and books.

With Shrove Tuesday behind him Ian is now focused on his crowdfunding campaign to raise £25,000 for a replacement van.

To donate towards the new van visit crowdfunder.co.uk/swindon-restore-van-project or for more information call Restore on 01793 978045 or email info@swindonrestore.co.uk.