YOUNGSTERS Ruby Gale and Grace Bradney raced to the finish line at their school’s pancake race yesterday.

The energetic eight-year-olds were egged on by their fellow pupils at Bletchingdon Primary School during the race, which was held a week earlier than Shrove Tuesday as next week is half-term. Pupils brought in their own frying pans and pancakes to take part in the race at the school in Weston Road.

At first, Ruby was worried that she would not be able to take part as she forgot her pancake – but her mum solved the problem and hurried in with a replacement.

Ruby said: “I am so happy that my mum brought in a pancake for me.”

Her teacher Alison Stewart, year 3/4 teacher, said: “Despite the fact it was extremely cold, the children had a wonderful time. They loved it – it is a well-known annual event that everybody looks forward to.”