Wallingford's deputy mayor Betty Atkins will stand in for injured town mayor Theresa Jordan in the town's annual pancake race.

Ms Jordan shattered a kneecap and broke her thumb in a cycling accident.

She was determined to lead the pancake race, on February 12, round the town's Market Square from her wheelchair. But a hospital appointment has put paid to that.

Mrs Atkins said: "There was no opting out. Round the square I'll have to go -- complete with frying pan and pancake."

She will be raising money for the mayor's pet charities, Wallingford's Volunteer Centre and Island Farm Donkey Rescue.

Race competitors can raise funds for named charities, while ten per cent of funds will go to charities backed by race organisers, Wallingford Lions.