Ludlow pubs to go head-to-head as friendly rivals in pancake race
Two pubs on opposite sides of a Shropshire street have upped the ante on a friendly rivalry by relaunching a second historic challenge.
The Bull in Ludlow has challenged the Feathers Hotel to a pancake race, hoping for a reversal of fortunes after losing the festive tug of war between the two pubs in December.
A Facebook statement from The Bull addressing the Feathers said: "So, you may have won the tug of war but do you have the stamina and skill to win a pancake race?
"We challenge you to a head-to-head pancake race here on Shrove Tuesday (February 21) at 11am. Do you think you can handle it?"
They have already placed a provocative A-board on the street.
"You'd batter be ready" is the message from the Bull, and it has been taken as a red rag by the Feathers who are keen to make it 2-0 after their tug of war win.
Laura Bufton, of the Feathers, gleefully accepted the challenge.
"They had better be ready," she said confidently. "We are going to batter them!"
As it happens the people running the Bull and the Feathers are closely connected and the very best of friends.
Miss Bufton said: "There is going to be a collection for the food bank to help there.
"The Tug of War was such a success, everyone was talking about it. Our events manager Nicola Round is keen to hold other events too, to try to get the community involved."
The festive tug of war brought the town to a standstill, with spectators lining up to watch the contest.
Despite having claimed victory for the past five years the Bull didn't have the pull required this time, with the Feathers taking a long-awaited victory.
So who will win this new challenge? At this stage all we can say is that it's a toss-up between the two!
