FAMILIES were smiling in the rain at the Holgate Windmill Pancake Day.

About 100 people joined in the fun at the restored windmill in west York.

Members of the windmill’s preservation society slaved non-stop for one-and-a-half hours over five pan heaters to satisfy the demand for pancakes, while others organised pancake races as well as egg and spoon relays using large plastic eggs, milk bottles and flour bags.

Jen Hay, of the society, said: “On a cold rainy morning, it is quite amazing how many people will come along. It was so gratifying to see the number of people who turned out.”

She said the morning was summed up by one visitor who said: “It is just fantastic, the community spirit around here. There is nothing like this where we live.”

Many of the visitors went away with bags of flour ground at the windmill, which was officially opened after 12 years of hard work and fundraising last year.

Money raised by the pancake day will go towards the windmill’s operating costs.