The event, organised by Town Centre Manager and UK regeneration firm St. Modwen, will take place on Tuesday February 28 at 11am. Andrew Wright reports.

20 local businesses will gather at the starting line with frying pans in a 20m race along St. Chad’s Parade in Kirkby town centre.

Town Centre Manager Mike Matthews said: “Kirkby has never had a traditional pancake race and the occasion will be a brilliant way for the entire community to come together for some good old-fashioned, competitive fun!

“The number of entries we have received from shopkeepers wanting to take part has been incredible.”

He added: “After a series of popular themed events that took place last summer and a hugely successful Christmas period, Kirkby Town Centre’s first annual pancake race is one event that everyone will be looking forward to each year.”

Event organiser Mike Matthews is no stranger to the world of competitive pancakes.

In 1994 Mike was involved in creating the world’s largest pancake in Rochdale, as recorded by the Guinness World Records. The pancake was 15m in diameter and weighed three tones.

There will be two separate heats of 10 teams competing to be crowned Kirkby Town Centre’s ‘Ultimate Flipper’. The winners of each heat will then compete in the grand final on the same day. The fastest flipper will also win a novelty prize t-shirt.

Plans for the future of Kirkby Town Centre took a step forward last year, when St. Modwen set out its development plans following a two-day consultation reported record footfall figures during the Christmas period.