Flipping good fun

Encouraged by onlookers packing a balloon-decorated Fore Street, the Times' reporters came away with two titles.

Bradford reporter Ben Maloney won the individual men's race while the relay team of Maloney, David Giles, Andy Cryer and Ed Mezzetti also took top honours.

Maloney, who fell over the finishing line, beat Chicago Rock Caf's Rich Smythe and Wiltshire Times' Warminster reporter David Giles into second and third respectively.

Maloney, 23, said: "There was confusion after the town crier, Trevor Heeks rang his bell and we all stopped before the finish line.

"When I realised it wasn't over I dived over the line. I am very proud of how we performed on the day."

Jo Hussey, 29, of Howard Travel, made up for past disappointments by winning the ladies' race.

She said: "I have entered it every year and this is the first time I've won. I wasn't going to enter but then at the last minute I was persuaded and I am glad I did now."

Sarah Tee, of Berkeley's, came second with Becky Pocock, of Castle Place leisure centre, finishing third.

The children's race prize was shared between Ryan Taylor and Ellen Wilkinson, while Sarah Clifford, of the Citizens' Advice Bureau, bagged first place in the fancy dress contest as a doctor.

Christine Scrivens, of Trowbridge Town Council, said: "It went splendidly and there were more entries than last year which was very encouraging."

Trowbridge Lions volunteers helped marshal the route.

MORE than 100 people turned out to watch the Bradford on Avon's pancake race.

Ten competitors, dressed in a variety of costumes, ran from the Bridge Tea Rooms across the town bridge and back again. Craig Guthrie was the winner.

Jon Durrant, who has organised the event since 1988, said: "It went very well and there was a good turnout. They were all sponsored and money raised will be put towards the Wiltshire Air Ambulance."

More photographs appear in this week's Wiltshire Times