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BBC hijacks ancient pancake race...PIC BY GEOFF ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY 07976 880732.

PIC SHOWS BLUE PETER PRESENTER JOEL DEFRIES AT THE START OF THE RACE

Townsfolk have flipped out after the BBC hijacked its 565-year-old pancake race for women and persuaded organisers to let a MALE Blue Peter presenter take part.

The decision to allow a MAN and non-resident to take part in the world-famous race has caused an outcry in the small market town of Olney, Bucks.

The historic Shrove Tuesday race, which started in 1445, has only ever been open to women over 18 who have lived in the picturesque town for more than six months.

Now this ancient tradition has been broken after Blue Peter presenter Joel Defries, 24, put on a scarf, apron and blonde wig and came THIRD in the 415 yard race.

Furious residents said it was a disgrace for the BBC to let its male children's TV presenter take part in the competition, which attracted crowds of more than 2,000 people.

"The race is not what it once was. Letting a man in the race is an admission that the traditional idea has been forgotten and thrown away," said local resident Geoff Bacchus.

"Sadly the money interest has become dominant so people get pushed around and commercial interest bullies the event into shape."

SEE COPY CATCHLINE BBC hijacks ancient pancake race