BEAULIEU came to a standstill as the historic Hampshire village celebrated Shrove Tuesday by staging a series of pancake races.

A large number of spectators lined both sides of the High Street and shouted "Go Go Go" as children and adults took part in competitions including an obstacle race and a relay event.

The constant threat of rain revived memories of a previous event which had to be abandoned because the road was too wet and slippery.

But the only weather-related problem this year was the wind, which rearranged some of the items in the obstacle race.

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu introduced the event before handing over to Father John, vicar of Beaulieu, Exbury and East Boldre, who compered the races.

Most of the competitors were children from Beaulieu Village Primary School.

They were joined by Beaulieu firefighters, staff from the Montagu Arms Hotel, members of the Countryside Education Trust and some of the guides at Palace House, the Montagu family's ancestral home.

The novelty race was won by the CET, who fought off stiff competition from the Montagu Arms.

The grand finale was a pancake-tossing event for adult competitors.

The initial result was too close to call so organisers staged a play-off between Jeremy Whitworth, 27, deputy general manager of the Montagu Arms and waiter Graham Crouch.

Jeremy was deemed the winner and was presented with a gold-coloured frying pan by Lord Montagu.