THE children of St Mary and St Peter’s, Ilton, returned to school on Shrove Tuesday (February 21) after half term - and what an amazing day they've had.
In a packed school hall, the pupils' parents and families joined the fun to watch the start of the Lent journey beginning with egg shackling.
Egg shackling is a local tradition dating back hundreds of years in South Somerset and involves breaking eggs to make pancakes.
It is believed that Ilton is one of only three villages that still keeps the rural tradition alive.
The last three eggs that survived Father Geoff Wade’s 'shackling machine' all won an early Easter egg in the school's infant and junior competition.
Maurice, from Hobbit Class, one of the egg winners, said: "I cannot believe I won. I really thought my egg had been mashed up.”
Executive headteacher Connel Boyle said: "We want to thank our families for all of the eggs and naming them.
"The big audience made the event so enjoyable for everyone.
"Well done to all of our winners, whose eggs survived Father Geoff's 'shackling machine'
"Pancakes are definitely next on our children's radars.
"After Shrove Tuesday concludes, the staff, children and community are all ready to begin our Lent journey as we prepare for Easter."
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