PUPILS had a flipping good time at Great Dunmow Primary school when they celebrated Pancake Day on Tuesday. Proceedings started with an assembly where headteacher Sylvia Ruck talked about Lent and its relationship to Easter. She then demonstrated her culi

PUPILS had a flipping good time at Great Dunmow Primary school when they celebrated Pancake Day on Tuesday.

Proceedings started with an assembly where headteacher Sylvia Ruck talked about Lent and its relationship to Easter. She then demonstrated her culinary skills by preparing batter and cooking pancakes in front of the children.

Afterwards, teachers showed off a varying degree of pancake tossing skills.

"Tamsin Foote the reception teacher was the best at tossing her pancake," said Caroline Robinson, Year Two teacher. "But by far the worst was Sian Watson who teaches Year Four. Her pancake ended up completely broken into pieces," she added jokingly.

After assembly the children took part in pancake races in the hall.

The celebrations were all part of learning that Lent is a time of abstinence and Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren't allowed in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs, forbidden foods during Lent.

Pupils were asked what they were giving up for Lent.

Chocolates, sweets and crisps were the most popular, but one girl said she was giving up watching television.