I was delighted this week to see evidence of the good natured community spirit of the people of Wycombe.

There was a blur of pancakes and frying pans up and down the High Street on Shrove Tuesday, when all manner of unlikely teams competed in a light-hearted but spirited way for the Great Pancake Race Trophy.

The race was the first of what it is hoped will be an annual event to raise awareness and much needed funds for Wycombe Mobility, the charity that works to help the disabled shopper gain access to the shopping and other attractions of our town centre.

Many local traders and organisations fielded teams of three runners each in the relay race along the High Street to the Guildhall.

Teams from Biffa, Sainsburys, Chiltern Shopping Centre and Wilkinsons competed against representatives of the Hobgoblin Pub, Wycombe Leisure, St Augustines and Wycombe Parish Church, which was represented by three nimble vicars.

They were only narrowly beaten to the semi-finals by three uniformed members of theThames Valley Police, who demonstrated remarkable dexterity, holding their helmets on with one hand while tossing pancakes as they ran along the High Street.

I blighted the chances of our giant toppling football team by telling an interviewer from Radio 1170 that I thought the three lads from Wycombe Wanderers would raise the trophy.

I was so convinced of their effortless form in the first leg that I predicted that their win in the pancake tossing would be an omen of their impending success in the FA Cup, first against Leicester and then bring 'em all on for the semis!

I was impressed by the nonchalance if not the wisdom of the first runner for Radio 1170 who decided to run with a fag in his hand.

While it didnt give out exactly the right health or lifestyle message, the fact that their team came last reinforced the message that health and cigarettes are not fellow travellers or indeed sprinters.

The three members of the constabulary made it to the final and should be congratulated on their good humour and sportsmanship, which endeared them to the crowd.

They were however beaten in the final by the spirited team from Argos. The young lady who ran the first leg took off like a ferret on roller skates and her early lead was never pegged back by the police.

I was delighted to present them with their trophy and look forward to watching the event next year, when I am sure many more teams will want to have some fun in the freezing cold in aid of such a good cause.

As I left I saw the three vicars returning to St Marys and an eddy of wind raised the black cloak of their departing captain sufficiently high to reveal the running shoes beneath.

It was good to know that they did not put all their faith in the Almighty.

It is only left for me now to decide on my strategy for Lent.

Last year I eschewed alcohol, except on Sundays. This year maybe biscuits, sweets and chocolate?

But as luck would have it I did the big shop earlier in the week and the cupboard is crammed with precisely the things I would have to forego!

Decisions, decisions!