Great Hallingbury: Howe Green House School pupils show off their pancake tossing skills for Shrove Tuesday

Pupils at Howe Green House School in Great Hallingbury celebrated Shrove Tuesday (March 1) with closely contested pancake relay races.

Despite rain, children in Years 5 and 6 showed off their skills on the independent day school's tennis courts.

Spokeswoman Kay Adye said: "There were thrills, a few spills and a 'flipping' good time was had by all!"

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent – for Christians. It is traditional to cook and eat pancakes to use up fat, flour, milk and eggs for a final sweet treat before 40 days of abstinence in the run-up to Easter.