Diamond Jubilee Jigsaw confirmed as world record

A 40,000-piece jigsaw created for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee has been credited as a world record.

Dave Evans, from Weymouth, Dorset, spent 35 days hand-cutting the 19ft 6in by 8ft (6m by 2.5m) jigsaw, featuring 33 images of the jubilee celebrations.

It accidentally collapsed, days after being completed in April.

A statement from Guinness World Records confirmed Mr Evans had set a new record for "Largest jigsaw puzzle - hand cut (most pieces)".

'Missing piece'

Mr Evans said he was "ecstatic and elated" to receive confirmation of the record.

"I was staggered. The missing piece in my life's work is now in place," he said.

The jigsaw with 40,763 pieces, is on display in the ballroom in Sandringham House in Norfolk.

Mr Evans said he intended to auction it to raise money for the charity Help for Heroes.

The jigsaw accidentally collapsed when Mr Evans was adjusting it, shortly after he had initially completed it.

Footage of the mishap has received more than 100,000 views on YouTube.

No record previously existed for the largest hand-cut, wooden jigsaw puzzle. Guinness World Records said for a new entry to be created the work had to be at least 10,000 pieces.