Shrove Tuesday celebrated in run-up to Lent

Food-lovers in Falmouth are cooking up a storm on Pancake Day. Why? Because the event, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is the last day before Lent when Christians traditionally give up eating rich food for as much as 40 days.

People eat pancakes because the ingredients - fat, butter and eggs - were not allowed during Lent. Shrove Tuesday is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.

The term "shrove" origins from the word "shrive" and means to confess. Back in the Middle Ages people used to confess their sins, hoping to be forgiven before Lent began on Ash Wednesday.

Traditionally, pancakes in the UK are served with sugar and lemon juice but of course there are more adventurous alternatives.