BUSINESSES are being urged to take part in Macclesfield’s premier pancake charity challenge.

Teams of four will toss and turn their way around Macclesfield as part of the town’s annual pancake race to raise funds for Macclesfield Hospital’s charity ECHO.

The event, which takes place on Shrove Tuesday (March 4), will see racers sprinting up and down Mill Street while tossing pancakes, all hoping to batter the competition.

Registration is just £10 per team and the charity asks that team members then raise a total of £100 in sponsorship money.

Funds raised will go towards providing the most up-to-date equipment, pioneering treatment and staff development at Macclesfield Hospital and in the wider community. ECHO volunteer Miranda Wallace, who is organising the race, said: “We want more groups and businesses to come forward and make the day a success.

“I know businesses get a lot of requests for charitable donations but the pancake race is different, because it allows you to raise your profile among the local community, while doing something fun for a worthwhile cause at the same time.”

Teams already confirmed for the contest include one from IT services company Axon, which has made ECHO its charity of the year, as well as the town’s Grosvenor Centre.

Andrew Lee, Kellie Mills, Olly Ashton and Paul Capper, from the Grosvenor, have their frying pans at the ready and are aiming to be the day’s fastest flippers.

While fancy dress is not compulsory, it’s actively encouraged as fun and wacky costumes are a staple fixture of the pancake race. The Rotary Club of Macclesfield Castle will be providing stewards.

Registration takes place at 10.30am and the first race is at 11.30am.

Races should be completed by 1.30pm to fit around the working day.

Forms are available by calling Miranda on 01625 661184 or by emailing miranda.wallace@nhs.net Pans, pancakes and ECHO T-shirts will be provided.

EAST Cheshire Hospice are urging people to go flippin’ crazy for charity.

The Hospice are asking people to take on a pancake challenge and help them raise funds on Shrove Tuesday.

Whether you’re in the office or at home you can tackle a pancake based project.

They include flipping a pancake as many times as you can in a minute, taking part in a pancake race or eating as many pancakes as possible in a set time.

To find out more visit its website at www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk