There was excitement in the air in Lowestoft town centre today as a contenders limbered up for the annual pancake race.

This year's event was even bigger than ever with the introduction of a mascot race to get the fun under way and 13 teams of three taking part in the main event.

The race, organised by Lowestoft Vision, was held in London Road North in bright sunshine and was watched by dozens of people.

The Access Community Trust healthy heart character claimed first place in the mascot race, beating local celebrity Woody Bear, from Pleasurewood Hills, into second position and even showing off at the finish line by dropping to the floor to do press-ups.

Food retailer Iceland managed a hat-trick by winning the pancake race for the third year in a row with Beales in second place and Ganaden Properties coming third.

Volunteers from Access Community Trust were cooking and selling pancakes during the event and Daisy's Urban Farm Kitchen was handing out burgers.

Darren Newman, Lowestoft Vision manager, said: 'The aim was to bring people into town for a bit of fun and get businesses and local organisations involved.

'We had a great mix of teams taking part, from businesses and charities to the Lowestoft Players.'

Benjamin Westrup, manager of Iceland's Lowestoft store, said: 'The team was very happy to win.

'They have come back to work beaming.'