A charity pancake race has been hailed as just what everyone needs in this time of recession.

Seven teams of local businesses took part and dozens of spectators turned out for the annual event in Mortimer Street, Herne Bay.

Organiser and town centre manager Chris West said: “Having a bit of fun is what this is all about. It’s great to see people enjoying themselves. It’s what everyone needs in all this doom and gloom.”

Two heats sorted the flippers from the fumblers ahead of the grand final with Icom UK, Procom, Invicta FM and Argyll Insurance winning through.

Procom, radio and communications specialists, took top honours and won a trophy for their trouble. But the real winner was this year’s charity Help A Kent Child.