VILLAGERS in Sherston are preparing their stomachs for the annual Pancake Eating Competition on Shrove Tuesday (Feb 9).

This year's event will begin at 7.30pm at the Rattlebone Inn.

The competition is organised into heats where contestants have to eat four freshly-cooked pancakes in the fastest possible time.

Entrants, who pay a £2 entry fee, have time to add lemon and sugar to their taste before the clock starts.

After that, the first to finish progresses to the next round.

The winner has their name engraved on a Sherston 1016 commemorative frying pan.

Richard Langley said: "This is a really popular family event, with special heats for younger competitors, with fewer pancakes involved. Sherston 1016 strongly advises all entrants not to eat a meal before coming to the competition."

Where possible, all ingredients are sourced locally, with eggs coming from Sherston Free-Range Eggs, flour from Shipton Mill at Long Newnton, and lemons from Tucks greengrocers and butchers. All three companies kindly donate their products for the competition.

Entries are welcomed on the night, there’s no need to book.