COMPETITORS are gearing up for the race of the year in Bradford on Avon. The day of the hotly contested town pancake race is drawing close with the Wiltshire Air Ambulance to benefit from the sponsorship money raised.

Yvonne Harris, of the town's chamber of commerce, said: "The competition is fierce amongst the town's business entrants.

"Members of the public are welcome to sponsor their chosen runner from one of the local businesses, where posters advertising the event are on display."

The pancake race was first run in the town in 1988 with pancakes supplied, as they are today, by The Bridge Tea Rooms.

Competitors start at the tearooms and dash over the bridge to the mini roundabout and back again.

The race has raised money for local groups and charity's, including Dorothy House Hospice and the hospital league of friends.

In Trowbridge the competition also looks set to be intense, with teams from businesses around the town set to take part in races down Fore Street.

There will be three races, a ladies, gents and a mixed relay and there will be a special award for the best fancy dress.

A team from the Wiltshire Times will be taking part, hoping to beat last year's haul of three certificates.

News editor Craig Evry, was second in last year's men's race said: "It is a great event, really good fun and something that all the spectators seem to really enjoy."

The Bradford race begins at 4pm on February 8, with the Trowbridge races set to start at 11am.