ST Neots mayor Barry Chapman ended up in hospital – not at the finish line – as he fell in the chain gang race during Huntingdon’s annual pancake extravaganza.

Councillor Chapman tumbled near the start of the race between the district’s mayors, tearing a shoulder ligament and bruising his knee, ribs and head.

Godmanchester mayor Christopher Vane Percy went on to win the race.

Huntingdon mayor Colin Hyams and St Ives mayor Debbie Townsend came in joint-second.

Cllr Chapman said: “I think I wore inappropriate footwear, although it could have been wear from cyclists inappropriately using the high street – that’s what Colin Hyams is saying.”

Cllr Vane Percy said: “It’s good for Godmanchester to win – it’s been a while since Graham Wilson won and we’ve had a couple of seconds and a few lasts in that time.

“My main competitor fell in the early stages but I carried on ... it’s what you have to do in these situations.”

Children flocked to the town from Ramsey, St Ives, St Neots and all around to take part in the races, with youngest competitors Mani Branch and Reece taking part in the under-3s run.

The retail race was close, with the Waitrose team edging out Wilkinson’s in the final.

Luminus, Argos, B&Q, BID Huntingdon, Rosamunds, and Haines Watts Accountants took part in the heats.

Teams from the Leonard Cheshire Home, Papworth Trust and Live to Learn also raced against each other in the charity competitions.