After watching Storm Dennis all weekend, the Tenby RNLI fundraising committee were filled with trepidation as the day of the Tenth Annual Pancake Race dawned grey, windy and wet.

But all was not lost and for most of the morning the rain stayed away and the crowds grew and grew. Registration for the races was brisk but in the capable hands of Julia Dashfield, Barbara Pegg and Jan Evans all went smoothly.

Liz Green was busy handing out pans and pancakes and there was soon a real sense of anticipation.

Organisers were fortunate this year to have Tenby’s own ‘Bake-Off Queen’ - Michelle Evans-Fecci to start all the races - in fact, she even took part herself.

The crowd were welcomed by Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, ably supported by Councillors Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall and Mrs. Tracey Evans, and the runners were soon flipping their pancakes and flying along Tudor Square which was alive with cheering and laughter!

Once again the crew race proved a worthy climax to the event with young Dylan John, son of coxswain Phil John giving the big boys a run for their money again.

In fact the result was a John tie, with Dylan being joined on the finishing line by dad, Phil and uncle Rob, with poor old Stormy Stan bringing up the rear!

Other winners were Emily Higgs and Summer Lightwood, Harry Thomas, Billie Winter and Harry Dolaghan, and Dan Evans.

Well done to President Shan Thomas and Althea Shaw for hanging on to the finishing tape despite the advancing hordes!

Nothing went to waste as the seagulls had a fine time with the dropped pancakes!

All the entrants received a chocolate consolation prize, thanks to Althea, but the organisers are grateful to Tees R Us, Dave Bolton Images, Roly’s Fudge, Lollies Sweet Shop, Harbwr Brewery and Heatherton for donating some amazing prizes for the winners.

“Although we had plenty of local entrants, it was good to see people from other parts of Wales, and England, all enjoying the half-term fun,” said Tenby RNLI fundraising branch chair Nicole Evans.

“Thanks must go to coxswain Phil John and his crew for all their help, to Terry Evans, to Tenby Town Council for the loan of the sound system, to the committee for their sterling efforts, and to the Baytree for allowing us to gather there and fuelling us with coffee before the start.

“Altogether a record sum of £460.26 was raised for the RNLI while having lots of fun. What better way to spend a blustery Tuesday morning!”

“It is amazing to think that it is ten years since Jo Thomas came up with this idea, and we are so grateful for her continued support.

“We remember, too, the late Jane Brace Squibbs who was a co-instigator, and this year’s brilliant event is dedicated to her memory.

“The RNLI is such an important part of Tenby and we are grateful for the support of the whole town in all that we do. Here’s to the next ten years of ‘Flipping Fun!” she added.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, Clr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall who attended the event said she was delighted for the organisers that so many people turned out for the fundraiser.

“The organisers were over the moon with the response, and well done to all the RNLI boys who do an amazing job, and all those that took part,” she told her fellow councillors.