Crowds dressed as Sherlock Holmes stage world record bid

The 'Sherlocks' have to wait to see if they have the world record

To mark Benedict Cumberbatch's birthday, more than 100 people have attempted to set a world record for the number of people dressed as Sherlock Holmes in one room.

Some 113 people dressed as the famous fictional detective gathered at University College London on Saturday.

They will find out later in the week if they have the record; however, there is not a current one to beat.

The event raised money towards the restoration of Sir Conan Doyle's home.

The author's Surrey home has fallen into disrepair, and about £2.6m is needed.

The event aimed to raised money for the restoration of Sir Conan Doyle's home

Roger Johnson, from the Sherlock Homes Society, said: "To come dressed as Sherlock Holmes in itself is pretty pointless.

"To do it to raise awareness of National Literacy Trust and to help raise money to restore Conan Doyle's house in Surrey, that's the important thing.

"But we do it, and we have fun doing it."

He said he did not expect the record to stand for long as another event was planned in August in Leeds to raise money for a brain research centre.

Cumberbatch became well known for playing the detective in a BBC One drama, which will be back for a fourth series next year.