ONE of the town's main streets will become a running track on Shrove Tuesday (February 9) as the Annual Ilkley Pancake Races get underway.

The Grove will be closed off as Ilkley Rotary Club stages the popular event.

Schoolchildren are expected to descend on the street from 10.30am onwards, ready to take up their pans for the first race at 10.45am, and cheer on classmates.

The race will see competitors run along The Grove, pan and pancake in hand, and successfully flip their pancake before crossing the finishing line.

Last year, more than 250 schoolchildren took part, registered via their schools, and organisers are expecting even more this year.

The children's races will be followed by the usual adult races at about noon. All those wanting to take part in the adult races should meet at the Ilkley Bandstand in The Grove just before noon. Fancy dress for grown-up competitors is optional.

The Grove will be closed to traffic from 10.30am to 1.30pm

Spectators are welcome to support all those taking part.