Shrove Tuesday celebrated with pancake races in York (From York Press)

Shrove Tuesday celebrated with pancake races in York

9:37am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News

SHROVE Tuesday was celebrated throughout the region with pancake races through the streets of North Yorkshire’s towns and cities.

In York, teams gathered in the city centre, pans-in-hand, to race through Parliament Street. The charity event was jointly organised by City of York Council and York Churches and saw teams of four battle it out in a relay.

The Rev Jane Nattrass, vicar of five churches in the centre of York, said: “Shrove Tuesday is the day when traditionally people would eat up all their rich food like eggs and butter before fasting during Lent, the time when we get ready for the great celebration of Easter.

Earlier yesterday, teams from the city’s catering and restaurant industry raced through Goodramgate to Bedern Hall for the annual hospitality industry Pancake Day Race.

Chefs, waiters and hotel staff battled it out for the coveted golden frying pan.

Katy McGowan asked shoppers in York for their thoughts on Lent

Dianne Gamble, 41 from Heworth, said: “I’m giving up alcohol for Lent because giving up something to remember is what it is all about.”

Jayne Phillips, 54, from Haxby, said: “I haven’t given anything up for Lent as it is not something I follow.”

Tracey Dave, 24, from York city centre, said: “I don’t celebrate Lent so I decided not to give anything up.”

Holly Thakerey, 22, a student at York St John University said: “I’m too greedy, and so I decided not to give anything up for Lent.”

Sarah Hayden, 19, a student at York St John University, said: “I have attempted to give up smoking for Lent, but I only lasted four days.”