Contestants battered each other in the sunshine at Knebworth and Pin Green pancake races on Shrove Tuesday.

Children and adults raced each other with their frying pans while trying to keep their pancakes in the air, but off the floor.

This year saw the first Pancake Day held at Knebworth Recreation Ground, sponsored by Just Suzette It – a new private party creperie business which has been started by Daniel Winterbourne of Wadnall Way.

Contestants were asked to bring their own pans while Daniel supplied the pancakes.

He said: “It was our first event and I think it went really well.

“More kids turned up than I expected and about 20 took part in the pancake race.

“They all seemed to have a great time and the weather was a blessing. I really enjoyed it and I think everyone else did, too.”

Another race organised by Stevenage Borough Council took place in the afternoon at Pin Green Play Centre in Webb Rise.

Pancakes are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday to use up ingredients before the 40 days of Lent.

The earliest known pancakes were made about 12,000 years ago from ground grains and nuts, mixed with water or milk and cooked on hot stones.