It’s the unmistakeable smell of Pancake Day, an annual ritual at Tamworth Public School, that turns kids into ravenous monsters and sends cooks “flipping” mad.

And while sinking their teeth into jam-smeared pancakes is the highlight for students, the day holds a deeper meaning for those of faith.

Shrove Tuesday, a moveable feast determined by Easter, falls the day before the start of Lent and allows Christians to indulge in food they might otherwise sacrifice for the next 40 days.

And indulge Tamworth Public students did, munching through more than 1500 pancakes.

This year’s event doubled as a fundraiser for children living in drought-ravaged communities, organiser Jim Furze explained.

“Some of the money will go towards helping kids in schools in drought-affected areas,” Mr Furze said.

“Even if it’s just a bit of money for them to go on an excursion.”

He said the day, which was supported by the Combined Churches of Tamworth, was also a way for scripture teachers to interact with students in a more relaxed setting.

“The idea is for the scripture teachers and the kids to get interactive and have some fun,” Mr Furze said.

“It’s so the kids don’t just see us as these people that come in for 30 minutes to teach them scripture and then disappear.

“The event really has become an institution. It’s got to the point that I walk down the street and the kids tell me how much they’re looking forward to it.”