Cream tea world record attempt for city's centenary

Only people who finish their scones and tea will count towards the world record

Thousands have signed up to attempt to break a record for the biggest cream tea party as part of celebrations to mark Stoke-on-Trent's 100th anniversary.

Organised said they would be "making history" if efforts across multiple venues on 8 July were successful.

Nicky Twemlow, director of communities for YMCA North Staffordshire, one of the organisations taking part, said the events would have to meet strict criteria laid out by Guinness World Records.

"You've got to eat all your scone and your cream and your jam, or you're disqualified," she said. "And you can only have tea."

More than 10,000 people from more than 100 organisations, including businesses and schools, have already signed up.

People will take part at Stoke Minster, the Victoria Hall and Doubletree Festival Park to try to beat the current record of 667 people, which has stood for 10 years.

Nicky Twemlow said the event would be a celebration of all that Stoke-on-Trent has to offer

Ms Twemlow, who also chairs community group Made in Stoke, said she hoped at least 800 would indulge to allow for anyone who might not quite clear their plate.

Though they will not count towards the record-breaking attempt, residents across the city are being encouraged to hold their own cream tea parties at the same time.

"The idea was that communities all around the city, or Stokies around the UK and the world, could all have a party together at the same time, in their own unique way, that just reflects our brilliant communities," said Ms Tremlow.

Whether the world record is broken or not, it will be a day to remember, said Ms Twemlow.

"It's a celebration of our city, our centenary and our community, which is just brilliant," she said. "It's going to be an incredible day - let's make history together."

The Big Centenary Tea Party takes place at 11:00 BST on 8 July. Anyone who would like to take part can sign up on the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce website.