Shoppers and residents crowded round to cheer on the 29 teams as they tossed and tussled their way through four heats before the triumphant winner was crowned.

Taking the frying pan trophy home this year was the team from Interserve who narrowly beat Gleeson Recruitment Group to take the title.

Just nudging his chin over the line in time was a delighted Alex Mettam who sealed the company’s first victory after an early exit last year.

He said: “We are amazed that we won. Victory was robbed from us last year but we put all our hard work and effort into practising and it paid off.”

Last year’s winners from Specsavers gave everyone a run for their money in the heats but were knocked down into third place in a competitive semi-final.

Leading the parade of teams from the Broad Street Mall to the start line was Mayor of Reading Cllr Tony Jones who presented the Wizard of Oz-themed group from Charles Hunter Associates with the award for best costume.

Cllr Jones, said: “Another excellent event, it is now a regular in Reading’s calendar and what a fantastic day for it. A big thanks to all those who participated and the crowd really seemed to enjoy it – perfect for half term.”